IRLF 


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CHARLES  NIRDLINGER 

THE  FIRST  LADY 
OF  THE  LAND 


A    PLAY    IN    FOUR    ACTS 


WALTER    H.    BAKER   6    Co.,  BOSTON 


.  $uiero'si 

f&rice,  60  <£ettt£ 


THE  AMAZONS    ^arce  in  'rllree  Acts.    Seven  males,  five  females. 
Costumes,  modern ;  scenery,  not  difficult.    Plays 
a  full  evening. 

THF  CABINFT  NIINISTFR    Farce  in  Four  Acts.   Ten  males,  nine 
IfliJ  lAIUflU   I    LWMBK    femaleg    Costumes,  modern  society; 

scenery,  three  interiors.    Plays  a  full  evening. 

DANDY  DICK    ^arce  ***  T*1*66  Acts.    Seven  males,  four  females. 
Costumes,  modern ;  scenery,  two  interiors.    Play* 
two  hours  and  a  half. 

THE  fiAY  LORD  OUEX    Comedyin  Four  Acts.    Four  males,  ter 
^  females.    Costumes,  modern ;  scenery 

two  interiors  and  an  exterior.    Plays  a  full  evening. 

Comedy  in  Four  Acts.   Nine  males,  f  oui 
females.    Costumes,  modern  ;  scenery. 
three  interiors.    Plays  a  full  evening. 

THE  HOBBY  HORSE  Comedy  ^  Three  Acts-  Ten  males» five 

females.  Costumes, modern;  scenery  easy 
Plays  two  hours  and  a  half. 

fDIC    Drama  in  Five  Acts.    Seven  males,  seven  females.    Costumes, 
llu^    modern ;  scenery,  three  interiors.    Plays  a  full  evening. 


in  Four  Acts.    Eight  males,  seven  fe- 
Costumes,  modern ;  scenery,  four  in 
teriors,  not  easy.    Plays  a  full  evening. 

LETTY    ^rama  k*  Four  Acts  and  an  Epilogue.    Ten  males,  five  fe 
males.    Costumes,  modern ;  scenery  complicated.    Plays  a 
full  evening. 


Sent  prepaid  on  receipt  of  price  by 

Walter  &  'Bafcet;  &  Company 

No.  5  Hamilton  Place,  Boston,  Massachusetts 


The  First  Lady  of  the  Land 


The  First  Lady  of 
the  Land 

A  Play  in  Four  Acts 


By 
CHARLES  FREDERIC  NIRDLINGER 


NOTE 

The  acting  rights  of  this  play  are  strictly  reserved.  Performance 
may  be  given  by  amateurs  on  payment  to  the  author  of  a  royalty 
of  twenty-five  dollars  ($25.00).  Correspondence  on  this  subject 
should  be  addressed  to  the  author's  agents,  THE  RUMSEY  PLAY 
Co.,  Lyceum  Theatre  Building,  New  York.  The  professional 
stage  rights  are  also  strictly  reserved,  and  performance  by  pro 
fessional  actors,  given  in  advertised  places  of  amusement  and  for 
profit,  is  forbidden.  Persons  who  may  wish  to  produce  this  play 
publicly  and  professionally  should  apply  to  the  author's  agents,  as 
above. 


BOSTON 

WALTER  H.  BAKER  &  CO. 
1914 


The  First  Lady  of  the  Land 


THE  PERSONS  OF  THE  PLAY 

(At  tast  in  the  original  production  at  the  Gaiety  Theatre^  New  fork, 
December  4,  70/7,  and  later  at  the  Fulton    Theatre.) 

JAMES  MADISON,  Congressman  from  Virginia ;  afterwards 

Secretary  of  Stat.e  in  Thomas  Jefferson' a  cabinet     -       -  Lowell  Sherman. 
AARON  BURR,  Senator  from  New  York ;  afterwards  Vice- 

President  of  the  United  States Frederick  Perry. 

BOHLEN  PINCKNEY,  the  President1  s  Secretary    -  Began  Hughston. 

SIK  ANTHONY  MEBBY,  British  Minister  at  Washington  -  William  Hawtrey. 
DON  CARLOS  MARTINEZ,  MARQUIS  D'YRUJO,  Spanish 

Minister  at  Washington William  David. 

MYNHEER  VAN  BERCKEL,  Minister  from  the  Netherlands  Carl  Hartberg. 

Louis  ANDRE  PICHON,  Charge  d'  Affaires  for  France    -  John  Prescott. 

JENNINGS,  servant  at  Dolly  Todays;  later  at  Madison1  s    -  Luke  Martin. 

DE  VAUX,  Major-Domo  at   White  House              ...  Fraucis  Bonn. 

THE  COOK     - Lawrence  Windom. 

THE  HAIR-DRESSER Edward  Stewart. 

DOLLY  TODD,  afterwards  Mrs.  Jame<s  Madison    -  Elsie  Ferguson. 

SALLY  MCKEAN,  afterwards  Marchioness  D'  Yrujo    •        •  Beatrice  Noyes. 

MRS.  SPARKLE Maud  Hosford. 

SOPHIA  SPARKLE,  her  daughter ;  afterwards  Madame  Pichon        Helen  Bond. 

LADY  MERRY       ....  Rose  Coghlan. 

THE  HONORABLE  ENA  FKRRAR,  Lady  Merry's  sister      -  Helen  Macbeth. 

VROU  VAN  BERCKEL Myra  Brook. 

MINISTER  FROM  RUSSIA  and  ) 

COUNTESS  DASHKOFP  >  Silent  figures  in  Act  III. 

MINISTER  FROM  TURKEY       ) 

CLOTILDE,  maid  at  Dolly  Todays     .....      Georgette  Passadoit. 

FOOTMEN,  VALETS,  SERVANTS,  ETC. 


COPYRIGHT,  1914,  BY  CHARLES  FREDERIC  NIRDLINGER 
As  author  and  proprietor 

All  rights  reserved 


To 
.  H. 


F"     350 


THE  PERSONS  OF  THE  PLAY 

{Ai  cast  in  the  second  production,  at  the  Pitt  Theatre,  Pittsburgh, 
January  12,  1914.} 

JAMES  MADISON Robert  Bleeker. 

AARON  BURR William  Bonelli. 

BOHLEN  PINCKNEY  ....  Louis  Kimball. 
SIR  ANTHONY  MERRY  -  George  Riddell. 

DON  CARLOS  MARTINEZ,  MARQUIS  D'YRUJO     Wilson  Day* 

Louis  ANDRE  PICHON Allan  Reese. 

MYNHEER  VAN  BERCKEL        ....  Richard  Dix. 

DE  VAUX  " William  Crookshanks. 

JENNINGS        -        -        -        -        -        -        Maurice  Shane. 

THE  COOK Franklin  Trosh. 

THE  HAIR-DRESSER  * Orme  Millar. 

LADY  ANGELA  MERRY Louise  Rial. 

DOLLY  TODD Mary  Hall. 

SALLY  MCKEAN      -        -        -        -        -         Nora  Lamison. 

MRS.  SPARKLE Louise  Fraser. 

SOPHIA  SPARKLE  -  -  -  -  Clara  Ayneston. 
THE  HONORABLE  ENA  FERRAR  -  -  Dorothy  West. 
VROU  VAN  BERCKEL  -----  Lois  Miller. 
CLOTILDE Qlga  Englebret. 


PLEASE  NOTICE 

The  professional  stage-rights  in  this  play  are  strictly  reserved 
by  the  author.  Amateurs  may  obtain  permission  to  produce  it 
privately  on  payment  to  him  of  a  fee  of  $25.00  for  each  per 
formance,  and  payment  made  in  advance.  Correspondence  on 
this  subject  may  be  addressed  to  THE  RUMSEY  PLAY  Co., 
Lyceum  Theatre  Building,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Attention  is  called  to  the  penalties  provided  by  law  for  any 
infringements  of  the  author's  rights,  as  follows  : 

"SEC.  4966: — Any  person  publicly  performing  or  representing  any 
dramatic  or  musical  composition  for  which  copyright  has  been  obtained, 
without  the  consent  of  the  proprietor  of  said  dramatic  or  musical  composi 
tion,  or  his  heirs  and  assigns,  shall  be  liable  for  damages  therefor,  such 
damages  in  all  cases  to  be  assessed  at  such  sum,  not  less  than  one  hundred 
dollars  for  the  first  and  fifty  dollars  for  every  subsequent  performance,  as 
to  the  court  shall  appear  to  be  just.  If  the  unlawful  performance  and  rep 
resentation  be  wilful  and  for  profit,  such  person  or  persons  shall  be  guilty 
of  a  misdemeanor,  and  upon  conviction  be  imprisoned  for  a  period  not 
exceeding  one  year."— U.  S.  REVISED  STATUTES,  Title  do,  Chap.  3. 


The  First  Lady  of  the  Land 


THE  FIRST  ACT 

SCENE. —  The  parlor  of  the  hoarding-house  kept 
by  DOLLY  TODD,  in  Philadelphia — at  that 
time  the  Capital  of  the  country.  A  spacious, 
oblong  room.  Double  doors  at  back  lead  to 
the  entrance  hall,  with  a  part  of  its  mahogany 
staircase,  and  the  hanging  lantern,  in  view  of 
the  audience.  Under  the  staircase,  at  right, 
a  deep  bow  window,  with  window-seats,  and 
flowers,  looks  into  garden,  where  ice-clad  trees 
glisten  in  the  sunlight.  At  left  of  room,  brick 
mantel,  with  fireplace.  Above  the  mantel  a 
mirror.  At  right  of  room,  a  spinet  •  door  at 
either  side.  The  scene,  in  color  and  furnish 
ing,  though  typical  of  the  period  and  place, 
avoids  the  chill  and  barrenness  that  usually 
characterize  Colonial  stage-settings.  Some  of 
the  furniture  is  rather  handsome  and  cosily, 
recalling  the  "better  days"  of  DOLLY'S  peo 
ple.  And  there  are  some  French  "  touches," 
suggesting  the  lively  spirit  beneath  DOLLY'S 
sober  attire. 

At  rise  of  curtain  and  some  seconds  before,  a  fiddle 
is  heard  as  through  the  wall  of  adjoining 
house.  The  tune,  the  familiar  Horn- Pipe,  is 
played  repeatedly  ;  the  first  part  rapidly,  the 
conclusion  long  drawn  out. 

9 


10          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

SIR  ANTHONY  MERRY  seated  at  table,  left,  is  writ 
ing  a  letter.  Without  looking  up,  he  growls, 
"  Stop  it  !  "  at  the  fiddle-playing.  A  second 
later,  looking  towards  the  annoying  music,  he 
shouts :  "  Stop  it,  I  say — stop  it !  "  Resumes 
writing  •  then  taps  bell  on  table,  rises,  goes  to 
wall  at  fireplace,  pounds  on  wall  vigorously, 
shouting  very  quickly :  "  Stop  it  !  Stop  it ! 
Stop  it !  "  JENNINGS,  a  negro,  appears  at 
door  back,  carrying  MERRY'S  top-coat,  heaver 
and  cane. 

MERRY. 

[Angrily  y    indicating  fiddle-playing.]     At   it 
again — next  door — that  fiddle-scraping ! 

JENNINGS. 
Yes,  Sir  Anthony.  [Comes down. 

MERRY. 

Did  Mrs.  Todd  inform  the  tavern-keeper  I  find 
it  most  annoying  ? 

[Crosses  to  table/  "  sands,"  folds  and  seals 
letter  during  ensuing  dialogue. 

JENNINGS. 

Yes,  sir.     He  begs  Mrs.  Todd's  boarders  keep 
their  patience  till  election's  over. 

MERRY. 
"  Election  "  ?    What's  that  to  do  ? 

JENNINGS. 

Well,  sir,  that  fiddle-scraping  is  Mr.  Thomas 
Jefferson. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         II 

MERRY. 

[Amazed.]    Jefferson !    The  man  they  want  to 
make  President ! 

JENNINGS. 
Yes,  sir. 

MERRY. 

[Rather    to    himself.]     Good    gad!      What  a 
country ! 

JENNINGS. 
[Helping  MERRY  into  his  coat]     Yes,  sir. 

MERRY. 
See  if  Colonel  Burr's  gone  out. 

JENNINGS. 

Some  time  ago,  sir,  and  begs  you'll  find  him  in 
the  Hall  of  Congress. 

[MERRY  moves  to  exit.  Enter  PINCKNEY 
from  hall.  He  is,  judging  from  his 
dress,  speech  and  manner,  a  mere  fop 
and  dandy ;  a  typical  "  beau "  of  the 
period.  His  clothes,  in  cut  and  color, 
suggest  at  a  glance  the  "  Incroyable " 
of  the  Directoire.  His  speech,  though 
savoring  of  affectation,  is  that  of  a  man 
of  cleverness  and  elegance.  And  beneath 
all  the  tokens  of  foppery  there  is  a  note  of 
strength  and  subtlety. 

PINCKNEY. 
Sir  Anthony  Merry  ? 

MERRY. 
[Nodding  assent.]     Mr. ? 


12          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

PlNCKNEY. 

Pinckney — a  fellow-lodger ;  formerly  of  the  Le 
gation  at  Paris,  with  Mr.  Jefferson. 

MERRY. 

[Indicating  the  fiddle-playing .]  This  gentle 
man — so  Mrs.  Todd  said.  Did  he  do  that  in  Paris  ? 

PINCKNEY. 

Only  when  troubled— as  he  is  now,  by  the 
election. 

MERRY. 
Any  hope  of — relief  ? 

PINCKNEY. 

No  sign !  I'm  just  from  the  Congress  and 
they're  as  far  as  ever  from  choosing  a  President. 

MEKRY. 

Good  gad !  [Enter  CLOTILDE,  a  trim-looking 
quadroon.  She  takes  carafe,  glasses,  etc.,  from 
table  and  exits.']  I'm  awaiting  Lady  Merry  any 
day.  She'd  never  put  up  with  this.  The  land 
lady  must  find  some  way  to  stop  it — if  Congress 
doesn't. 

PINCKNEY. 

Congress  has  been  voting  the  night  through, 
and  always  the  same  result  as  for  months  past : 
seven  states  for  Mr.  Jefferson,  seven  for  Mr.  Burr, 
and  one,  New  Jersey,  for  John  Adams. 

MERRY. 
And  what,  in  the  end,  will  New  Jersey  do  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND    1 3 
PlNCKNEY. 

Oh,  no  foretelling  that,  sir!  New  Jersey  is 
liable  to  do  anything. 

MERRY. 

{Indicating  fiddling  next  doorJ]  So  this  may 
continue  indefinitely  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

But  I'm  sure  you've  only  to  apprise  Mr.  Jeffer 
son  that  his  fiddling  disturbs  you— and,  at  least, 
he'll  change  his  tune. 

MERRY. 

Thanks,  I'd  rather  change  my  lodgings  than 
ask  favors  of  Mr.  Jefferson. 

JENNINGS. 
[Announcing.']     Miss  McKean. 

{Enter  SALLY  McKEAN ;  young,  very  pretty, 
and  dressed  in  the  extreme  fashion  of  the 
period. 

SALLY. 
[To  JENNINGS.]     Tell  Mrs.  Todd  I'm  here. 

MERRY. 

[To  JENNINGS.]  And — {to  SALLY]  if  you'll 
allow — say  I  beg  word  with  Mrs.  Todd  'fore 
leaving.  [JENNINGS  exits. 

SALLY. 
{To  PINCKNEY.]     Is  Mrs.  Todd  much  hurt  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Puzzled^     Hurt  ? 


14          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

SALLY. 

She  sent  for  me  urgent.  And  Clotilde  said  she 
had  met  with  an  accident. 

PlNCKNEY. 

Oh  !  Then  it  was  Mrs.  Todd  !— They  were  tell 
ing  at  the  wax-works  last  night  of  a  lady  thrown 
from  her  horse,  near  the  Hall  of  Congress,  dragged 
for  blocks,  trampled  on,  and  carried  home  on  a 
litter  by  half  a  dozen  Senators  with  broken  le— 
limbs.  [SALLY  and  MEREY  disconcerted^  The 
lady's — I  mean. 

SALLY. 

[  With  gesture  of  "  no"]  Mrs.  Todd  isn't  riding 
horse  these  days. 

MEREY. 

[  With  meaning.]  And  Colonel  Burr  would 
certainly  have  told  me  of  anything  so  serious  to 
our  hostess. 

[Enter  DOLLY  TODD.  She  is  little  more 
than  twenty  years  old ;  wears  the  prim, 
conventional  garb  of  a  Quaker  widow, 
with  a  gay-colored  neckerchief  that 
heightens  the  pearly  white  and  delicate 
rose-tint  of  the  complexion  that  was  her 
chief  beauty. 

DOLLY. 
[  With  courtsey.']     Gentlemen  ! — Sally  ! 

DOLLY. 
[To  MERRY.]     Thee  sent  for  me  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         I  5 

MERRY. 

Delighted  to  find  you  recovered  from  your 
misadventure. 

DOLLY. 
A  mere  trifle. 

MERRY. 

It  seems,  ma'am,  this  fiddle-scraping  may  go  on 
for  weeks ! 

DOLLY. 

I've  just  writ  Mr.  Jefferson  himself — to  say  he 
plays  so  sweetly,  it  gives  some  of  my  lodgers 
melancholy — so  thee  may  be  leaving— and  that 
I'd  grieve  to  lose  so  charming  a  patron. 

MERRY. 

[Conciliated.]  Not  so  much  I,  ma'am !  'Tis 
only  if  Lady  Merry  arrives.  She's  all  nerves— 
and  if  this  went  on—  [Gesture  of  dismay. 

PlNCKNEY. 

JSTo  fear !  Mr.  Jefferson,  I'm  sure,  would  deny 
Mrs.  Todd  nothing.  {The  music  ceases  abruptly. 

MERRY. 

[In  tone  of  relief.]     Thank  God ! 

DOLLY. 

[To  PINCKNEY.]  And  Mr.  Jefferson — when 
next  thee  sees  him. 

MERRY. 

May  I  have  your  company  to  the  Congress, 
ladies  ?  There's  promise  of  a  lively  debate. ' 


16         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

Thanks — but  my  mishap  keeps  me  indoors  to 
day.  Will  thee  be  having  friends  to  dinner  ? 

MERRY. 

No.  I'm  dining  out  to-day,  at  Mr.  Alexander 
Hamilton's.  {Exit. 

PlNCKNEY. 

I'm  rather  sorry  Mr.  Jefferson  stopped  his  — 

[Gesture  of  fiddling. 
DOLLY. 
But  I'd  have  lost  Sir  Anthony  ! 

PlNCKNEY. 

And  his  wife,  too  ! 

DOLLY. 
Plain-spoken,  he  says. 

PlNCKNEY. 

So  he's  usually  sent  to  countries  where  she 
can't  speak  the  language.  We've  had  terrifying 
reports. 

DOLLY. 

\KindlyI\  Perhaps  they  don't  do  her  full 
justice. 

PlNCKNEY. 

That's  what  we  fear,  ma'am. 

\_Exit  to  room,  L.  Enter  CLOTILDE ;  her 
speech  is  a  mingling  of  French  and  Eng 
lish. 

DOLLY. 

[To  CLOTILDE,  glancing  over  some  tradesmen^ 
"bills,  'and  handing  her  the  accounts  and  a  purse.~] 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND          17 

The  tradesmen's  bills — pay  them.     Thee  bought 
little  at  market. 

CLOTILDE. 

Oui,  Madame — the  English  monsieur  dine  out — 
his  servant  announce. 

DOLLY. 
Yes,  but  Mr.  Burr  may  have  guests. 

CLOTILDE. 
He  no  dine  home 

DOLLY. 
Has  he  said  so  ? 

CLOTILDE. 
Marie — I  see  in  market — she  tell  me. 

DOLLY. 
"  Marie  "  ? 

CLOTILDE. 

[Explaining. ,]     My  sister,  Madame,  who  serves 
the  French  lady. 

DOLLY. 
Oh,  yes  !    Marie  still  with  Madame  Jumel  ? 

CLOTILDE. 

Monsieur  Burr  dine  there  to-day — an'  Marie, 
she  say 

DOLLY. 
[Stopping  her.]     Marie's  a  chatter-box. 

CLOTILDE. 
Oui,  Madame,  but  only  weeth  her  sister. 


1  8          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

Well,  don't  thee  with  thy  sister  ! 

CLOTILUE. 

Xo,  Madame.  [Crosses  to  exit. 

DOLLY. 


Clotilde,  if  a  strange  gentleman 
calls,  I'm  not  at  home. 

CLOTILDE. 
For  lodgers,  also  ? 

DOLLY. 
Of  course.     JNTo  rooms  vacant. 

CLOTILDE. 
But  Monsieur  Burr  —  go  soon. 

DOLLY. 

JSTot  till  they  choose  a  President.     Maybe  weeks. 

[Gestures  dismissal. 

CLOTILDE. 

[Persisting.']  To-day,  Madame,  'lection  finish. 
Marie  hear  at  Madame  Jumers.  Then  Mr.  Burr 
go  to  Jericho  ! 

DOLLY. 
[Perplexed  '.]     Jericho  ? 

SALLY. 
[Sotto-voceJ]     Mexico  ! 

CLOTILDE. 

Marie,  she  hear  him  tell  Madame  Jumel  —  an' 
Marie,  she  say  - 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND          19 

DOLLY. 

{Impatiently]     Go  'long !     And  I  forbid  thee 
ever  repeat  gossip  from  Madame  Jumel's. 

CLOTILDE. 

Oui,  Madame.     But  Marie,  she  say  - 
DOLLY. 

Allez  ! 

[Stamps     her    foot     and     winces.      Exit 
CLOTILDE. 

SALLY. 

[At  fireplace,    shaking   snow  from  muff,  etc.] 
What's  happened  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Breathless  with  excitement]     Well,  my  dear, 
I've  been  flirting- — and  hurt  my  ankle  ! 

SALLY. 

[Pretending    to    be    shocked.']      Hussy !      And 
that's  why  you  sent  for  me  ? 

DOLLY. 
No.     I've  been  found  out ! 

SALLY. 

Oh  !     Now  I'll  sit  down.     [Sits  at  table]     Who 
found  you  out  ? 

DOLLY. 

I  myself,  I  blush  to  own :  and  the  gentleman, 
too. 

SALLY. 
Blushed  ? 


20          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 
Found  me  out — discovered  my  immodesty. 

SALLY. 
No  gentleman  would  say  so  ! 

DOLLY. 
"Tisn't  what  he  said — but  did  ! 

SALLY. 
Ruffian ! 

DOLLY. 

[Sitting  opposite  SALLY.]  Now  I'll  tell  thee 
just  how  it 

SALLY. 
[Rising  as  if  to  go.~\  Think  you'd  better  ? 

DOLLY. 

{Seizing  SALLY'S  handJ]  I  must  tell  some  one. 
[Portentously. ,]  My  dear — the  fellow — had — me 
— in — his — arms  ! 

SALLY. 
Not  really  !  [  Unbuttons  wrap. 

DOLLY. 
Enough  to  take  notice ! 

SALLY. 

[Interested.]     Where  ?     Where  ? 

DOLLY. 

On  the  pavement.  In  full  public.  He — picked 
me  up ! 

SALLY, 
You  mean ?  [Takes  off  her  ne'cfawrap. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         21 

DOLLY. 

[  With  growing  agitation.]  Now,  I  don't  expect 
thee  to  believe  this.  For  'tis  just  the  sort  of  tale 
a  lady  always  relates  to  explain  some  agreeable 
disaster ! — I'd  been  to  Meeting-house  for  Wednes 
day  prayer — since  my  widowhood  I've  been  most 
pious. — When  I  came  'way,  'twas  snowing  to  blind 
one. — I  chose  my  steps  carefully — what  with  the 
wind  and  these  abominable  high  French  heels— 
and  went  without  mishap  'til  I  turned  into  Chest 
nut  Street.  Just  when  I'd  cross,  by  the  Hall  of 
Congress,  a  horseman  loomed  in  front.  I  drew 
back,  in  a  panic— -my  heel  slipped — and — thank 
heaven,  I  had  on  my  best  stockings  ! 

[Shows  them. 

SALLY. 
To  prayer-meeting ! 

DOLLY. 

Always — on  a  windy  day  !  When  I  came  to,  I 
felt  an  arm  about  my  waist.  Oh,  I  felt  it !  And 
some  one  leaned  over,  his  face  so  close  to  mine  I 
saw  the  very  color  of  his  eyes.  Blue,  a  beautiful 
blue  !  [Lost  in  pensiveness. 

SALLY. 

[^Recalling  herJ]     Yes  ? 

DOLLY. 

In  a  flash,  I  realized  'twas  some  one  I'd  seen  be 
fore.  He  helped  me  to  my  feet. 

SALLY. 
\_Quizzingly.~]     Arm  still  about  you  ? 


22          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

{Eagerly  <md  naively.]  Well,  that  I  can't  re 
call.  I've  tried  to — earnestly — but  I  was  that 

[Business  of  "  rattled" 

SALLY. 
Pretty  fellow  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Ecstatic.]  Oh,  beautiful !  Like  a  young  French 
abbe — on  a  fan ! 

SALLY. 

You  must  have  been ! 

[Repeats  DOLLY'S  gesture  of  distraction. 

DOLLY 

With  scarce  enough  wit  to  thank  him !  As 
sured  him  I  could  get  along  without  further  as 
sistance — tried  to  dismiss  him,  but  he  wouldn't 
have  it — insisted  I  couldn't  walk  alone — that  I  had 
hurt  my  ankle.  Said  the  word,  too ! 

SALLY. 
[Pretending  to  be  shocked.]     Jamais  ! 

DOLLY. 

Yes— right  out— "  ankle  "  ! 
SALLY. 
The  libertine ! 

DOLLY. 

Bless  thee,  no!  First-rate  gentleman!  [Sud 
denly  all  smiles. ~\  Beautiful  manners,  almost 
shy.  Scarcely  spoke  all  the  way  home,  and 
beautiful  voice,  too ;  low  and  gentle.  [Rather  as 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         23 

if  to  herself.]     I  never  realized  what  a  pretty  name 
Todd  is,  till  he  spoke  it ! 

SALLY. 
{In  surprise.]     Knew  your  name  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Nodding  "yes."]  And  that  I  am  freshly  wid 
owed.  Spoke  of  it  so  beautifully.  Such  sym 
pathy  !  [Pensively.]  Faith !  I  never  felt  so 
consoled  before ! 

SALLY. 
[Interrupting.]     Who  is  he  ? 

DOLLY. 
[Half  hesitating.]     I  don't  know. 

SALLY. 
You  didn't  ask  his  name  ? 

DOLLY. 
[  With  dignity J]    Even  a  widow  can  be  maidenly. 

SALLY. 

Well,  my  dear,  if  a  man  had  me  in  his  arms  I'd 
want  to  know  who  he  is. 

DOLLY. 

No !  My  ignorance  is  my  sole  excuse.  As 
matters  stand,  'twas  an  accident,  liable  to  any  lady 
—with  flighty  French  heels  ;  but  one  step  further, 
'twould  become  an  adventure,  for  the  gossip- 
mongers. 

SALLY. 
to  go.]     No  fear ! 


24         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

With  Congress  sitting  ?  Town's  a  hot-bed  of 
scandal.  Let  your  foot  slip  ever  so  little,  and  your 
character  hasn't  a  leg  to  stand  on.  [The  door 
knocker  heard  in  the  hall.  SALLY  takes  up  her 
muff,  and  prepares  to  go.]  Thee's  not  going? 

SALLY. 

{Nodding  "  yes."~\  To  view  the  wax-works  with 
the  Marquis. 

DOLLY. 
[  Confidentially.']  Settled  ? 

SALLY. 

[Shaking  her  head  "  no."]     Urn-urn ! 

DOLLY. 
Takes  his  time ! 

SALLY. 
Not  he — father. 

DOLLY. 
Why? 

SALLY. 
Something  to  do  with  your  second-floor  front. 

DOLLY. 

[Startled.]     Colonel  Burr  ?    m 

SALLY. 

He  means  to  take  Mexico  from  D'Yrujo's  king. 
And  if  the  Marquis  can't  stop  him  he'll  lose  his 
post  here. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         2$ 

DOLLY. 

[Reassuring^  Mr.  Burr  won't  go  to  Mexico ! 
Too  far  from  Madame  Jumel's. 

SALLY. 

Madame  Jumel  ? — 'Tis  you  he's  after !  And, 
Dolly,  he's  dangerous. 

DOLLY. 

[Derisively.]  My  eye  and  Betty  Martin  !  How 
"  dangerous "  f  He's  never  betrayed  a  friend, 
abused  a  foe,  nor  harmed  a  woman. 

SALLY. 

[In  half  whisper]  Good  Lord !  His  reputa 
tion  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Decisively.]  Warning  enough  for  any  lady 
who  isn't  courting  trouble  !  These  ^dangerous  men 
wouldn't  be  half  so  dangerous  if  so  many  of  us 
didn't  try  to  find  out  why. 

JENNINGS. 
[At  door.]     Madame  Sparkle's  footman. 

FOOTMAN. 

[At  door.]  My  lady's  below,  ma'am,  with  Miss 
Sophia,  and  if  Mrs.  Todd  is  disengaged,  will  leave 
her  carriage. 

DOLLY. 
Beg  her  walk  in. 

SALLY. 
I'll  leave  you.  [Starts  to  go. 


26         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[Stopping  her.]     No^  no  ! 

[Enter  SOPHIA  SPARKLE.  Very  young, 
not  more  than  sixteen,  buoyant,  and  sophis 
ticated,  despite  her  appearance  of  ingenue. 
She  enters  briskly,  glancing  back  to  see  if 
MRS.  SPARKLE  is  within  hearing. 

SOPHIA. 

[To  DOLLY.]     I  ran  ahead  to  put  you  on  guard. 
Something's  amiss ! 

DOLLY. 

[To  SALLY.]      I   told  thee !      [To  SOPHIA.] 
What  is  it  ? 

SOPHIA. 

Something  in  a  letter — came  this  morning. 

[Enter  MRS.  SPARKLE,  a  portly  woman  ; 
richly  gowned  /  the  grand-dame  of  the 
period.  The  younger  women  courtsey 
elaborately. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[To    SALLY.]     How    do?     [To    DOLLY.]     I 
thought  to  find  you  disengaged. 

SALLY. 

[Reaching  for  her  furs.]      Just  taking  leave, 
ma'am 

DOLLY. 

[Seizing  her  furs,  puts  them  out  of reach. ,]     No, 
no — I've  no  secrets  from  Sally  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         27 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
The  morning  post,  my  dear,  brought  me  a  most 
in  reticule]  interesting 


[Brings  out  a  letter  with  conspicuous  seals. 

DOLLY. 

[Limp  ;  sotto-voce  to  SALLY.]  Laws  !  Stay  by 
me ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Continuing.] — and  delicate  communication — 
from — Mount  Vernon. 

[DoLLY  and  SALLY  exchange  smiles  and 
glances  of  relief  . 

DOLLY. 
Lady  Washington  ? 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Reading  from  letter]  Sends  you  expressions 
of  regard  and  affection,  and  wholly  disapproves 
your  present  mode  of  life  ! 

DOLLY. 
[Shocked]     Why! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Giving  her  the  letter]  Kead  !  [Turns  to 
SALLY.]  Well,  Sally,  you  going  to  marry  the 
•Spanish  Minister,  D'Yrujo  ? 

SALLY. 
Hasn't  asked  me  yet,  ma'am. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

He  will,  if  I  know  your  mother !  Best  catch 
of  the  year.  I'd  have  liked  him  for  Sophia,  only 


28          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

I'd  promised  the  French  envoy,  Pichon.     What's 
he  asking — the  Marquis  ? 

SALLY. 

{Puzzled^     Why ? 

MES.  SPARKLE. 
Dowry — what's  he  want  ? 

SALLY. 
Nothing ! 

MES.  SPAEKLE. 

Nothing  ?  Aren't  your  folks  uneasy  ?  \To 
DOLLY.]  Well,  ma'am,  what  have  you  to  say  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Still  looking  at  the  letter^  Thee  wouldn't 
have  me  say  it ! 

MES.  SPAEKLE. 

What !  You're  not  honored !  Let  the  girls 
hear  ! 

DOLLY. 

{.Reading.']  "While  no  accident  of  fortune 
could  affect  the  high  regard  and  deep  affection  in 
which  I  hold  Mrs.  Todd,  nor  lessen  my  lively  ap 
preciation  of  her  excellent  qualities,  both  of  mind 
and  heart,  yet  I  cannot  regard  with  indifference 
her  present  device  of  maintaining  herself  by  the 
entertainment  of  strangers,  be  they  of  ever  so  high 
a  quality,  for  a  stated  weekly  emolument " 

MES.  SPAEKLE. 

Mrs.  Washington's  polite,  Christian  expression 
for  a  boarding-house ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         29 

DOLLY. 

Yes,  I  so  took  her  meaning.  But  General 
Washington  himself  has  lodged  here ;  and  I  do 
now  only  as  my  mother  did  in  her  days  of  stress. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Thanks  to  your  father ! 

DOLLY. 

[Bridling.]     Because  fortune  deserted  him  ? 
MRS.  SPARKLE. 

"  Desert  " ?     He  turned  her  out  when  he 

freed  his  slaves.     Finest  herd  of  blacks  in  the 
Old  Dominion ! 

DOLLY. 

My  father  held  no  honest  man  could  keep  slaves 
after  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Mr.  Washington  kept  his  ! 
SOPHIA. 

As  for  that,  Ma',  Thomas  Jefferson  keeps  his. 
And  he  wrote  the  thing  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Sharply.]  Sophia !  [To  DOLLY.]  Now  that 
your  sister  Lucy's  married  their  nephew,  Step  toe 
Washington,  they  make  you  one  of  the  family. 

DOLLY. 

[Shaking  head  "no"]  That  doesn't  pay  the 
landlord. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Move  to  smaller  house  ! 


30          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

Laws !  When  one  begins  that,  one  keeps  on 
moving — to  houses  smaller  and  smaller. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Then  come  live  with  us ! 

DOLLY. 

As  a  poor  relation  ?  No,  thank  thee !  'Tis  the 
first  step  to  the  Old  Ladies'  Home ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Angrily.]  That  is  not  the  spirit  of  your 
Quaker  father. 

DOLLY. 

[With  decided  brogue.]  No,  'tis  my  Irish 
mother's.  Mary  Coles,  from  Enniscorthy,  on  the 
River  Slaney,  County  Wexf ord.  Heaven  rest  her 
soul!  [More  excitedly.]  And  look  you — if  I 
didn't  take  boarders,  I  should  have  to  turn  boarder 
myself — and  the  approval  of  the  best  society  and 
the  Continental  Congress  wouldn't  pay  me  for  that ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
[Reprovingly.]     Your  temper,  ma'am  ! 

DOLLY. 
[  Walking  about  agitatedly.]     My  mother's  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
The  brogue  says  that. 

DOLLY. 

Thy  pardon.  But  'tis  hardly  borne  with 
patience.  A  woman  left  alone,  in  scarce  a  year  of 
marriage,  with  just  enough  estate  to  pay  the  debts 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND          31 

— and  then,  rebuked — in  kindliest  spirit,  of  course, 
for  wanting  to  keep  a  decent  roof  over  her  head, 
a  decent  frock  on  her  bones  and  a  decent  inde 
pendence  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Then  marry ! 

DOLLY. 
Not  one  year  a  widow  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
A  widow  isn't  a  cask  of  wine — to  wait  for  age ! 

DOLLY. 
But  waits  for  love  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Most  indelicate !  A  young  girl  marries  'cause 
she's  in  love  ;  a  widow  should  marry — to  keep  out 
of  it! 

CLOTILDE. 

{At  door,  to  DOLLY.]  A  page  from  the  Con 
gress.  Monsieur  Burr  invites  Madame  Todd  to 
the  gallery. 

DOLLY. 

Mrs.  Todd's  compliments,  but  she's  with  com 
pany,  say  to  Colonel  Burr.  [Exit  CLOTILDE. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Gasping. ~]  If  Martha  Washington  heard  that ! 
My  snuff,  Sophia!  [SOPHIA  searches  in  hand 
bag.  MRS.  SPARKLE,  impatiently.]  Quick,  girl. 

SOPHIA. 
[Looking  in  kand-bag.~\     Not  here,  ma'am. 


32          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Then  leave  the  room  ! 

SOPHIA. 

{Rising,  poutinyly.~\  Because  you're  going  to 
talk  of  that  wicked  Mr.  Burr  ! 

MES.  SPARKLE. 
[Severely.]     What  do  you  know  of  that  man  ? 

SOPHIA. 

Only  what  they  say  at  school.  He  has  the 
finest  leg  of  any  man  in  Congress  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Angrily.]  Leave  the  room  !  [SOPHIA  exits 
into  hall,  where  she  sits  in  ~bay  window.  MRS. 
SPARKLE,  continuing  to  DOLLY.]  And  that  figure 
you  harbor  here  !  No  extremity  can  excuse  it ; 
least  of  all,  your  widowhood  ! 

DOLLY. 

I'd  never  think  to  plead  it,  ma'am.  In  my 
mother's  widowhood,  he  lodged  here.  He  has  al 
ways  been  most  scrupulous  of  my  awkward  cir 
cumstances.  Whatever  his  figure,  Mr.  Burr  is 
a  gentleman  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
[Nose  in  air.}     Presbyterian ! 

DOLLY. 
A  man  can  be  a  Christian  in  any  church ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Dogmatically -.]  Perhaps.  But  a  gentleman 
only  in  the  Episcopalian  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND          33 

DOLLY. 
If  he  were  Turk,  he's  no  less  my  friend  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
'Tis  notorious,  he  admires  you  ! 

DOLLY. 

{Hands  on  hips.']  I  shouldn't  be  in  woman's 
shape,  if  he  didn't !  Colonel  Burr  admires  the  sex 
—pretty  ones  because  they  please  him,  and  the 
ugly  ones — because  he's  sorry  for  them.  His  ad 
miration  I  rate  lightly ;  but  not  his  friendship. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
He'd  prove  it  best  by  lodging  elsewhere. 

DOLLY. 

Heaven  forbid !  My  most  generous  patron ; 
pays  forty  shillings  the  week  for  the  second-floor- 
front,  thirty-five  more  for  his  meals.  Dines  out 
half  the  time,  and  scarcely  ever  home  for  break 
fast ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[  With  significant  toss  of  head.]  That  I  quite 
believe ! 

DOLLY. 

Mr.  Burr  makes  my  house  the  fashion,  gives  it 
reputation. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Not  his  own,  thank  heaven !  He  lost  that 
years  ago !  So  Washington  wouldn't  receive  him 
in  his  home. 

DOLLY. 
Oh,  George  himself  was  no  Joseph ! 


34          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

But  had  the  grace  to  hide  it !  This  one  parades 
his  peccadilloes.  Boasts  his  conquests  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Protestinyly.]  Oh,  never !  If  Colonel  Burr 
kisses,  he  doesn't  tell.  That  I  promise  thee. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

{Rising,  angrily.]  Thank  you,  I'm  in  no 
danger ! 

DOLLY. 

\_Conciliatingly  ^\  Nor  I,  good  friend  !  As  for 
these  stories,  laws,  ma'am,  gallantry's  the  fashion ! 
The  gentlemen  all  affect  the  air  of  having  a  little 
French  milliner  behind  the  bookcase,  when  there's 
really  nothing  there  but  cobwebs.  And  thee  and 
I've  lived  long  enough  to  know  that  no  mere  man 
could  be  so  wicked  as  they  credit  Mr.  Burr 
[MRS.  SPARKLE  is  startled']  and  yet  retain  the 
esteem  of  his  countrymen,  as  he  has.  Half  the 
states  voting  stubbornly,  for  months,  to  make  him 
President. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Interrupting. .]  Oh,  there's  plenty  of  his  stripe  ! 
{From  behind  her  hand.]  And  'tis  notorious 
they  stand  by  one  another  ! 

{Enter  MERRY. 
MERRY. 

[At  door,  as  if  to  withdraw^     Beg  pardon 

DOLLY. 

[Quickly.']      Pray    walk    in [Presenting 

him.]     Sir  Anthony  Merry. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         35 

MERRY. 

[Bowing.]  Your  servant !  The  debate  is  over, 
Mr.  Burr  bade  me  say,  and  the  gallery  closed. 

[MRS.  SPARKLE  disconcerted. 

DOLLY. 

Then  they're  near  a  vote  ? 
MERRY. 
They  were  near  blows  when  I  left. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

The  boobies — when  they've  only  to  re-choose 
John  Adams  ! 

DOLLY. 

Impossible,  ma'am  !  His  wife's  declared  she'd 
not  live  at  the  new  capital. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Quite  right !     All  swamp  and  no  society  ! 
DOLLY. 

[  With  a  sniff.]  Of  course  !  A  lady  accustomed 
to  the  gayeties  and  dissipations  of  Quincy,  Massa 
chusetts  ! 

MERRY. 

There'll  be  no  one  elected,  I  take  it,  from  the 
bitter  talk  just  now  in  your  Parliament. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Take  no  comfort  from  that,  sir !  Merely  a 
family  quarrel.  You  married,  sir  ? 

MERRY. 
Unhappily,    yes [Correcting  himself.']     I 


36          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

mean,  so  much  loveliness  makes  one  rather  re 
gret  - 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Then  your  lady  isn't  with  you  ? 
MERRY. 

[  Good-naturedly.  ]  Happily,  no ! — I  had  to  make 
sure  Lady  Merry'd  be  content  here.  She's  bring 
ing  a  younger  sister,  and  has  had  such  alarming 
reports  of  the  country  and  people. 

DOLLY. 
She'll  find  us  as  God  made  us  ! 

MERRY. 

{Assenting  I\     She  anticipates  the  worst ! 

DOLLY. 
Then  we  can't  disappoint  her  ! 

MERRY. 

Thanks  !  Most  amiable  of  women — when  you 
understand  her. 

DOLLY. 

We're  sure  to  do  that,  if  you're  here  long  enough. 
{A  church-bell  rings /  then  a  second;  then 
several  more,  as  if  all  the  bells  in  town 
were  ringing^ 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

What  does  that  mean— the  bells  ?  [A  cannon- 
shot  7ieard.~]  Cannons,  too  ! 

{Martial  music  in  street. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         37 

SOPHIA. 

{Entering  from  bow  window.]  They're  crowds 
in  the  streets,  cheering,  and  music  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Animatedly.]  The  election,  of  course !  They've 
chosen  a  President ! 

MRS.  SPAKKLE. 
[  With  feeling.]     A  gentleman,  pray  God  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Hinging.]  I'll  send  to  learn.  \Enter  PINCK- 
NEY  from  door  left.]  Eun  to  the  tavern,  next 
door,  ask  the  news,  who's  elected  ?  [The  door 
knocker  heard.]  There's  the  door.  [CLOTILDE, 
who*  has  answered  to  the  ring,  goes  into  hall.] 
They'll  know.  [Door  heard  to  open  and  close; 
voices  in  hall.]  It's  Colonel  Burr 

MRS.  SPAKKLE. 

[Rising. ~\  That  man  ! — Come,  Sophia !  We'll 
go! 

BURR. 

[Entering  in  season  to  hear.]  Better  wait, 
ma'am ;  crowds  block  the  way. — I  had  to  fight 
through. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
What's  happened  ?    Anything  wrong  ? 

BURR. 

Matter  of  taste,  ma'am.  Mr.  Jefferson's  chosen 
President. 


38          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
[Horrified.]     That  atheist !— Beats  the  devil ! 

BURR. 

[With  mock  gravity.}  And  by  only  one  vote, 
ma'am.  Eight  states  declared  for  Mr.  Jefferson, 
seven  for  the  other — [bowing  to  indicate  himself] 
candidate. 

DOLLY. 
Then  you,  of  course,  are  Yice-President  ? 

BURR. 
[Ruefully]     Alas  !     The  law  so  orders ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

You!  Vice-President  of  the  Unite Out 
rageous  !  [Extends  hand  in  gesture  of  anger. 

BURR. 

[Kissing  her  hand]  Thanks  for  your  sym 
pathy,  ma'am !  God  knows  I've  done  nothing  to 
deserve  that  fate.  [In  tone  of  hopelessness]  Yice- 
President  to  Jefferson,  with  his  health  of  a  stalled- 
ox,  and  sure  of  a  second  term !  Eight  years  of 
obscurity  for  A.  Burr !  [Through  ripple  of 
laughter]  My  compliments  to  Mr.  Hamilton's 
friends  !  They've  done  for  me  this  time  !  [Laugh 
ing  heartily]  Yice-President ! 

MERRY. 

Mr.  Jefferson's  no  friend  of  England!  We 
hoped  for  his  defeat. 

BURR. 

[Quickly.]  You  should  have  made  that  known, 
sir! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         39 

MERRY. 

Would  it  have  changed  the  result  ? 
BURR. 

[Laughing.]     No !     But    hastened    it !  And 

spared  the  country  months  of  wrangling,  such 

as  you  witnessed  to-day.     You  must  have  been 
hard  put  to  keep  your  face  straight ! 

MERRY. 

[Bewildered.]  But  I  took  it  serious.  Why, 
one  of  'em  quoted  Latin  ! 

BURR. 

[Nodding  assent.]  Kandolph  of  Koanoke.  But 
he'd  been  drinking.  [To  DOLLY.]  You  should 
have  heard  them  abuse  me — Hamilton's  friends- 
just  before  the  final  vote  !  In  their  rage  they 
didn't  speak  my  name,  they  barked  it !  [Imita 
ting.]  Burr,  burr,  burr !  I  kept  looking  up  at  the 
gallery,  hoping  you'd  be  there ;  then  hurried  a 
page  here  to  fetch  you.  Lord !  How  they  did 
abuse  me !  You'd  have  been  so  amused  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Stiffly.]  Mrs.  Todd's  mourning  forbids  amuse 
ments. 

DOLLY. 

But  to  hear  an  old  friend  blackguarded  ?  The 
most  censorious  wouldn't  deny  one  that  pleasure ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
There'll  be  other  opportunities ! 


40          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 
BUKR. 

But  the  rare  occasion,  ma'am,  may  never  re 
cur,  even  in  your  blooming  lifetime  !  A  tie  in  the 
vote  for  President ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
You  had  hand  in  it ! 

BURR. 

So  they  said  to-day.  As  though  I  carried  the 
high  office  in  my  vest  pocket ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

One  word  from  you  would  have  settled  the 
matter  long  ago. 

DOLLY. 

[Coming  down;  with  spirit.]  Yes!  One  word 
from  Mr.  Burr,  a  nod  of  the  head,  would  have 
made  him  President.  Every  one  knows  that ! 

BURR. 

Just  as  well  you  weren't  in  the  gallery  !  You'd 
been  blowing  kisses  to  Madison.  'Twas  he  spoke 
in  my  defense ! 

DOLLY. 

The  great  Madison  ? 

BURR. 

Declared  the  Congress  would  resent  advice  from 
either  candidate  how  to  cast  their  votes ;  I  had  no 
more  right  to  urge  my  own  defeat  than  my  elec 
tion. 

DOLLY. 
Splendid ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         4! 

BURR, 

And  amazed  me  all  the  more  in  Madison,  who's 
Jefferson's  friend,  and  has  never  liked  me.  I 
vowed  my  eternal  gratitude ;  told  him,  if  need  be, 

I'd    go   to {The   others   startled.]     But   he 

promptly  assured  me  I  need  go  no  further  than 
Fourth  Street — and  bring  him  with  me —  [bowing 
to  DOLLY]  to  Mrs.  Todd's  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Startled.]  Me  f  Why,  I  doubt  he's  ever  seen 
me. 

BURR. 

[  With  a  twinkle.]  He's  caught  a  glimpse  of 
you. 

DOLLY. 

[Quickly,  as  if  in  a  panic.]  When,  sir  ?   Where  ? 
[Crosses  to  SALLY,  as  if  for  support 

BURR. 

He  didn't  detail,  but  I  surmised,  from  the  zeal 
of  his  admiration,  he'd  seen  considerable  of  you. 

DOLLY. 

[In  double-meaning]  That  must  do  him  for  the 
present. 

BURR. 
But  I've  promised  - 

DOLLY. 

[Indifferently]     Next  week,  then,  or 

BURR. 

[Insisting]     The  man's  waiting,  now. 


42          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

Waiting  ? 

BUKR. 

Presuming  on  your  good  nature,  I  said  he  might 
present  himself  at  four  o'clock,  unless  advised  con 
trary.  I'll  send  word.  [Starts  to  ring. 

SOPHIA. 

[To  DOLLY.]     No,  no,  do  have  him  in,  just  for 

a  took!     He's   the   one [To  BURR.]     'Tis 

James  Madison  ? 

BURR. 
Yes. 

SOPHIA. 

Constitution  man  ?  [BuRR  nods  "  yes."]  He's 
the  one  jilted  Kitty  Floyd,  the  Long  Island 
beauty,  for  wearing  rouge  ! 

DOLLY. 
[Touching  cheek  in  alarm.']     Laws ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
[Sternly. .]     Sophia ! 

SOPHIA. 

[Continuing. ,]  Just  out  of  braids  ;  and  after  the 
most  fiery  courtship  ! 

BURR. 

[Laughing.]     Madison !     Never ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Where'd  you  learn  that  scandal  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         43 

SOPHIA. 

School !  Some  of  the  girls  had  seen  corre 
spondence — most  passionate  letters !  Why,  they 
even  say  — 

MES.  SPAEKLE. 
[Thunderingly.]      You  needn't ! 

[SOPHIA  continues  the  story,  in  pantomime 
and  whispers,  to  DOLLY  and  SALLY,  as 
they  gradually  move  up  stage. 

DOLLY. 

[Turning  to  BUEE,  indicating  MES.  SPAEKLE.] 
Win  her  over  ;  she  doesn't  like  you. 

MES.  SPAEKLE. 
Passionate  letters !     Absurd  !      [Sits  at  table,  L. 

BUEE. 

Quite!  Mr.  Madison  never  wrote  anything 
"  passionate  " — except  the  Constitution. 

MES.  SPAEKLE. 

Hamilton  wrote  that,  his  friends  say. 
BUEE. 

To  be  sure,  ma'am !  And  the  Bill  of  Rights, 
and  the  Treaty  with  England  he  wrote.  And,  of 
course,  Washington's  Farewell  Address !  In  short, 
to  hear  Hamilton's  friends  he  wrote  most  every 
thing  important  to  modern  society,  except  Ben 
Franklin's  almanac  and  the  Ten  Commandments. 
And  presently  they'll  have  him  revising  those  ! 

MES.  SPAEKLE. 
New  quarrel  ? 

[DoLLY  crosses  to  back  of  armchair,  L. 


44          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 
The  same,  always ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
That  French  petticoat,  Jumel  ? 

BURR. 

Nothing  so  worth-while,  ma'am  !  Politics,  mere 
politics  !  You  see,  Washington  bequeathed  Ham 
ilton  two  of  his  most  cherished  possessions — an  an 
tique  silver  snuff-box,  and  his  ancient  grudge  against 
me.  As  Hamilton  no  longer  snuffs  he  displays  the 
other  bequest  on  every  public  occasion. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Yes.     Privately,  I  hear,  you're  friends. 

BURR. 

[Assenting.]  The  same  tastes,  habits  and  asso 
ciations. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
[Meaningly. ]     That's  what  I  meant. 

[DoLLY  comes  down  intent  on  BURR'S  pro 
cedure  with  MRS.  SPARKLE. 

BURR, 

[  Offering  smiff-l)ox,  at  sign  from  DOLL  Y.]  Will 
you  ? 

MRS.  SPARKLE 
[Refusing.]     Abominable  habit ! 

BURR. 

[With  cajolery.]  But  pretty  custom,  in  some 
hands.  I  had  the  honor  to  know  your  first  hus 
band. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         45 

DOLLY. 

[Gesture   of  dismay,   which   only  BURR  sees.] 
There  never  was  but  one  ! 

BURR. 

[Elaborate  gallantry.]  Not  the  fault  of  my  sex, 
I'm  sure.  [MRS.  SPARKLE  takes  pinch  of  snuff 
from,  his  box.  BURR  nods  toward  SOPHIA.] 
That  pink  of  a  girl,  with  the  refreshing  air  of  the 
schoolroom — sister  ? 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Daughter ! 

DOLLY. 
Youngest  of  six. 

BURR. 
Six  ?    Thank  you,  ma'am. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
For  what  ? 

BURR. 

Sharing,  so   freely,   your   heritage   of  beauty» 
Blood  will  tell ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

\Dryly.]     Wasn't  your  grandfather  the  famous 
divine,  Jonathan  Edwards  ? 

BURR. 

[Bowing  assent]     Head  of  Princeton  College. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
A  pious  man  and  a  great  preacher ! 


46          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

Under  his  guidance,  Mr.  Burr  studied  for  the 
ministry.  [To  BURR.]  And  your  father  was 
clergyman  ? 

BURR. 

[Taking  the  hint.]  And  his  father,  too. — Like 
Mrs.  Todd,  I  come  from  a  line  of  preachers. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
A  great  responsibility — such  a  heritage ! 

BURR. 

Prodigious,  ma'am  !  One  has  to  do  the  sinning 
for  three  generations  !  [A  chime  clock  in  the  hall 
strikes  four.  On  the  last  stroke  the  door-knocker  is 
heard.  The  young  women  come  hurriedly  from 
the  hall.  BURR,  looking  at  his  watch.~]  Madison 
—on  the  stroke  !  [ To  DOLLY.]  With  your  per 
mission,  I'll  —  —  [Starts  toivard  hall.']  For,  I 
warn  you,  he's  most  timid  with  the  ladies. 

[Exit. 
DOLLY. 

[To  MRS.  SPARKLE.]  Pray  receive  him.  [ To 
SALLY.]  Come  with  me.  [Starts  to  exit. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Recalling  her.']  My  dear — very  little  rouge — 
if  he's  timid.  And,  if  you  don't  fancy  him,  I'd 
like  him  for  one  of  my  girls. 

[DoLLY  exits.     Enter  BURR  and  MADISON. 

BURR. 

[Presenting  him.]  Let  me  introduce  Mr. 
Madison — [general  bowing]  former  classmate  at 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         47 

Princeton  College.     {Patronizingly^     And  next 
Secretary  of  State. 

MADISON. 
{Protesting^     But,  sir 

BURR. 

You've  accepted  ? 

MADISON. 
[  With  characteristic  doubt.]     Yes— and— no. 

BURR, 

[Patting  MADISON  on  the  back.]  Good  !  The 
very  man  for  the  post ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 
Unmarried,  I  believe  ? 

MADISON. 
No  fault  of  my  own  ! 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Then  easy  corrected !  The  President  being 
widower,  and  Vice-President  no  better,  the  State 
Department  must  provide  "  The  First  Lady  of  the 
Land." 

MADISON. 
So  Mr.  Jefferson  says. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Most  important  that  you  take  a  wife  ! 
MADISON. 

Keeps  me  'wake  o'  nights,  ma'am 

MERRY. 

[Coming  down.]  May  the  cares  of  your  office 
prove  merely  domestic ! 


48          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF   THE  LAND 

MADISON. 
Mr.  Jefferson's  purpose. 

MERRY. 

A  people  so  hostile  'mong  themselves,  as  witness 
to-day,  won't  court  peace  abroad. 

MADISON. 
We  don't  anticipate  trouble. 

MERRY. 
\_Pompously.~]     Diplomacy  always  anticipates. 

MADISON. 

[Surprised.}     Then,  you^  sir ? 

BURR. 

{Intervening  quickly.}  Sir  Anthony  Merry's 
come  to  look  us  over,  and  if  he  likes  the  place,  re 
mains  British  Minister  at  Conococheague. 

MERRY. 

[Bewildered.}  Why  !  I  thought  'twas  Wash 
ington. 

BURR. 

[As  if  suddenly  remembering}  Yes,  of  course, 
they're  going  to  call  it  Washington  !  I  prefer  the 
Indian  name. 

MERRY. 
Why  change  it  ? 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

Or  the  place  ?  Capital  should  remain  here, 
Philadelphia. . 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND    49 

MADISON. 
Too  fast  and  frivolous,  Congress  found. 

MERRY. 

But  this  other,  our  Legation  reports,  a  wilder 
ness  ! 

BUKK. 

{Deferentially]     Mr.  Madison  chose  it. 

MADISON. 

[Correcting.]      Mr.   Jefferson!      I  merely  ap 
proved. 

MERRY. 

I  hope  Lady  Merry  does  ! 

[Engages     in     conversation     with     MRS. 
SPARKLE,  as  they  turn  up-stage. 

MADISON. 
[Sotto-voce  to  BURR.]     Will  the}'-  remain  ? 

BURR. 

I'll  see  you're  left  alone.     [Slapping  him  on  the 
back.]     Buck  up ! 

MADISON. 
[Sotto-voce.~\     Any  chance? 

BURR 

[Encouragingly. .]     She's  interested  ! 

MADISON. 
Say  so  ? 

BURR. 
No — but  decorating  herself.    Always  good  sign  ! 


50          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Calling.']     Mr.  Madison  !        [He  crosses  to  her. 

MERRY. 

{Coming  down  to  BURR.]  To-day's  events,  I 
anticipate,  change  your  plans  ! 

BURR. 
On  the  contrary,  confirm  them. 

MERRY. 

But  as  Yice-President,  you  can't  take  Mexico  for 
yourself ! 

BURR. 

Great  ventures  can't,  stop  for  small  morals  ! 
When  it  comes  to  that  point,  I'll  resign  the  office. 
Only  get  me  from  London  the  loan  I  require. 

MERRY. 

[Drawing,  partly, letter  from  breast-pocket.]  I've 
written  to-day— 200,000  dollars. 

BURR. 
Pounds,  sir,  200,000 pounds! 

MERRY. 
I  thought  dollars ! 

BURR. 

\_Icily.~]  'Tis  an  expedition  I  plan,  sir — not  a 
picnic ! 

[DOLLY  and  SALLY  heard  off.  MADISON 
hastens  to  BURR,  obviously  ill  at  ease. 
MERRY  rejoins  MRS.  SPARKLE. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         51 

/ 

SOPHIA. 

\To  PINCKNEY,  noting  MADISON'S  embarrass 
ment^     Isn't  he  gay  ? 

\Eeenter  SALLY  followed  by  DOLLY.  At 
sight  of  former  MADISON  turns  inquir 
ingly  to  BURR. 

DOLLY. 

[Sotto-voce  to  SALLY.]     "  Ankle  "  man ! 

BURR. 
Mr.  Madison,  ladies ! 

[An  awkward  pause  in  which  MADISON 
plainly  shows  his  embarrassment  and 
timidity.  During  the  following  dialogue 
SOPHIA  seated  on  the  sofa  between  SALLY 
and  PINCKNEY  "  guys  "  MADISON, partly 
in  pantomime  and  partly  with  half- 
whispered  interjections. 

DOLLY. 

I've  heard  much  of  Mr.    Madison.      Strange 
we've  never  met  before. 

MADISON. 
Yes,  ma'am. 

DOLLY. 
From  Virginia,  I  believe. 

MADISON. 
Mr.  Jeiferson's  state — yes,  ma'am. 

DOLLY. 
[At  a  loss  what  to  say.~\     It — it — snows  there  ? 


52          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

\ 

MADISON. 
Sometimes — in  winter. 

SOPHIA. 
[To  her  companions,  sotto-voceJ]  Repartee  ! 

DOLLY. 
You  find  our  climate  trying  ? 

MADISON. 
Yes — and — no. 

SOPHIA. 
[Same  business. ~]  Diplomat ! 

MADISON. 

That  is — has  compensations. 

DOLLY. 
Dinners,  cards,  and  dances  ? 

MADISON. 
I  meant,  rather,  outdoor  sports,  like  walking. 

SOPHIA. 
Isn't  he  wild  ! 

DOLLY. 
Does  thee  visit  the  theatre  ? 

MADISON. 

[Nodding  "  yes"~]     The  Wax-works,  ma'am. 

DOLLY. 
To  encourage  the  drama !  And  fond  of  music  ? 

MADISON. 
Mr.  Jefferson  plays  the  fiddle 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND          53 

DOLLY. 
Yes— we  hear  him.  [MERRY  sniffs. 

MADISON. 
And  sometimes  I  accompany  him. 

DOLLY. 
Second  fiddle  ?  [BuRR  coughs. 

MADISON. 
[Modestly.]     Banjo. 

SOPHIA. 
[To  companion."]     Talented ! 

DOLLY. 

I  dote  on  the  banjo  !  [BuRR  disconcerted.]  'Tis 
the  one  instrument  for  a  man  !  [SOPHIA  uougfo. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Sharply  ;  prodding  her  with  walking-stick^]  So 
phia  ! — We're  leaving  !  [General  movement. 

DOLLY. 

[Crossing  to  MRS.  SPARKLE.]  Now  you've  spoke 
with  Mr.  Burr,  you  see  he  doesn't  deserve  what 
people  say. 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[Severely.]  Every  bit !  [Beaming.]  Pie's  charm 
ing  ! — If  I'm  ever  driven  to  lodgers,  he  can  have 
my  second-floor-front. 

BURR. 

[Observing  DOLLY'S  approach,  pats  MADISON 
on  back,  saying  sotto-voce.]  Buck  up,  man  !  Now's 


54          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

your  chance !  {Aloud,  as  DOLLY  reaches  them.'] 
But  I  warn  you ;  I've  asked  Mrs.  Todd  to  marry 
me-  [All  indicate  interest. 

MADISON. 
[Startled.]     Ah!  . 

DOLLY. 

[To  BUKR,  laughing.]  And  so  you  have  twenty 
other  women,  and  just  as  seriously.  With  Colo 
nel  Burr  a  proposal  of  marriage  is  a  polite  cere 
monial,  a  mere  courtesy.  He  offers  his  heart  to 
the  ladies—  [taking  BURR'S  snuff-box  and  handing 
it  to  MADISON]  with  no  more  meaning  than  he 
offers  his  snuff-box  to  the  gentlemen.  He  expects 
it  returned — after  a  pinch  or  two ! 

{Returns  BURR  his  snuff-box,  and  crosses  to 
MRS.  SPARKLE. 

FOOTMAN. 

[At  door  announcing.]  Mrs.  Sparkle's  car 
riage  ! 

BURR. 

{Offering  arm.]     My  attendance,  ma'am  ? 

MRS.  SPARKLE. 

[About  to  take  his  arm,  withdraws  it.]  But  I'll 
lose  my  reputation  ! 

BURR. 

[Putting  her  hand  on  his  arm.]  You  shall  have 
mine  ! 

[BuRR  and  MRS.  SPARKLE  exit,  the  latter 
obviously  pleased  ~by  his  gallant  atten 
tions.  The  others  follow.  DOLLY  sees 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         55 

them  into  hall  and  turns  to  find  MADI 
SON  prinking  before  the  mirror. 

MADISON. 

[Advancing  eagerly,  his  bearing  suddenly 
changed  to  one  of  bold  admiration  and  attack.] 
I  didn't  dare  hope  for  so  speedy  renewal  of 
our  — 

DOLLY. 

[Interrupting. .]  Mr.  Madison !  that  never  hap 
pened  ! 

[  Winces  as  she  moves  from  him  a  few  steps. 

MADISON. 

[After  slight  pause  of  bewilderment^  and  observ 
ing  the  limp]  No.  Of  course  not ! 

DOLLY. 
It  couldn't  have  happened  ! 

MADISON. 

So  I've  said  to  myself — twenty  times  over. 
Nothing  so  delightful  could  happen.  I  dreamed 
it!  [Qmzaingly.~\  Ankle  better  ? 

DOLLY. 

Thee  gentlemen  of  Congress  should  vote  the 
walks  kept  free  of  ice. 

MADISON. 
Never  with  my  vote,  ma'am  ! 

DOLLY. 
After  last  night's — accident  ? 

MADISON. 
Not  "  accident,"  act  of  Providence  ! 


56          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[Startled.]     What ! 

MADISON. 
In  that  belief  I  stand  here. 

DOLLY. 

[/Sitting  on  couch.  Then  inconsequently]  Sit 
thee  down. 

MADISON. 

[  Continuing ',  with  (/rowing  excitement.']  To-day's 
attack  on  Mr.  Burr.  My  impulse  to  protest, 
though  I  opposed  his  election.  His  extravagant 
thanks.  The  proffer  of  any  service  in  my  behalf, 
and  this — this  interview,  all  Providence ! 

DOLLY. 

Thee  helped  a  little  !  And  thy  name  would 
have  opened  the  door  any  time. 

MADISON. 

[Resignedly.]     Timidity. 

DOLLY. 
Modesty,  the  world  sa}^. 

MADISON. 

No,  I  know  my  deserts ;  but  one  doesn't  get 
from  law  books  the  graces  of  the  ballroom ;  and 
for  some  'tis  easier  to  frame  a  statute  than  turn 
a  compliment.  And  if  I've  feared  to  enter  here, 
'twas  only  that — well,  I  knew  you  were  sought 
by  one  utterly  beyond  me  in  the  ways  that  please 
women. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         $? 

DOLLY. 
That  comes  with  practice. 

MADISON. 

[With  gesture  "no."]  A  gift  of  the  gods — de 
nied  me  ! 

DOLLY. 

Surely  thee  wouldn't  exchange  ? 

MADISON. 

Yes  and  no!  There's  been  times  when  I 
thought  I'd  like  to !  When  I've  seen  you  of  an 
afternoon,  in  the  fashion-parade,  surrounded  by 
famous  wits  and  beaux,  and  noted  how  completely 
their  temper  accorded  with  your  own,  I'd  gladly 
changed  place  with  the  veriest  macaroni  of  the 
lot  ! 

DOLLY. 

Don't  tell  it,  sir  !    Thee's  reputed  a  serious  man. 

MADISON. 
To  my  sorrow,  and  most  unjustly ! 

DOLLY. 
'Tis  no  demerit ! 

MADISON. 

I  know  no  greater  obstacle  to  the  favor  of  a 
charming  woman. 

DOLLY. 
[As  if  in  contradiction.]     I  married  a  Quaker! 

MADISON. 

[Sitting  beside  her,  on  couch.']  'Tis  that  gives 
me  courage !  Else  I'd  never  dare  offer  my  hand 


58          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

and  heart,  nor  beg  the  chance  to  prove,  by  a  life 
of  affection  and  devotion,  that  I'm  vastly  more 
human  than  my  friends  report ! 

DOLLY. 

[Taken  aback.']     Why,  sir !    You  amaze  me ! 

MADISON. 
Myself  no  less,  ma'am  ! 

DOLLY. 
A  declaration  ? 

MADISON. 

[Assenting.]     My  meaning ! 

DOLLY. 

Laws,  sir !  Ten  minutes  in  the  house — and  a 
declaration  !  [Rises.']  You've  made  a  wager ;  a 
rakish  wager !  "  Supper  for  the  company — at  the 
'Italian  Inn,'  or  Peg  Mullen's.  Oysters  and 
champagne  wine,  that  you  propose  to  Widow 
Todd,  'fore  candle-light."  Come,  sir,  it  is  a 
wager  ? 

MADISON. 

[  With  increasing  fervor. ,]  More  than  wager — ' 
a  vow,  to  myself,  last  night,  when  your  door 
closed  between  us,  that  if  ever  again  I  had  the 
chance,  though  it  came  in  street,  church  or  mar 
ket-place  ;  if  the  whole  world  looked  on  and  lis 
tened  ;  and  though  I  know  my  suit  is  hopeless — 
yet  I'd  speak  the  words  that  quicken  my  heart- 
and  surge  to  my  lips  at  every  thought  of  you. 
Love  me,  and  be  my  wife ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         59 

DOLLY. 

{After  a  pause.]  To  answer  thy  bluntness  in 
kind,  I've  resolved  not  to  marry  again. 

MADISON. 
You  were  unhappy  ? 

DOLLY. 
Most  happy ! 

MADISON. 

Then  what  better  tribute  to  a  sweet  memory 
than  to  seek  its  renewal  ?  Persistent  widowhood 
is  a  poor  elegy. 

DOLLY. 

You'll  never  swing  for  want  of  argument ! 
That's  one  I  never  thought  of ! 

MADISON. 

I've  thought  of  twenty — a  himdred — to  per 
suade  you;  pondered  and  phrased  them  'gainst 
this  very  moment  that  I  felt  must  come  !  Often 
'mid  the  wrangles  of  Congress,  a  new  one  rushes 
in  on  me,  and  I'll  grope  in  the  debate.  Why,  even 
as  I  toiled  and  troubled  over  the  Constitution 

DOLLY. 
Never ! 

MADISON. 

[Excitedly.]  Yes,  yes,  I  believe,  I  shame  to 
say,  I  could  point  to  this  clause  and  that,  left 
vague  and  uncertain,  only  because  my  wayward 
thoughts  wandered  off  to  you.  [MUdlyJ]  Ah, 
dear  lady,  I've  courted  you  long  and  wildly  ! 


60         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[Bather  chaiftingly  J]  I  hadn't  noticed  it.  Though, 
sometimes,  as  we  passed  in  the  street 

MADISON. 

[Drawing  closer.']  So  seemed  to  me  at  times ! 
But  then  came  your  marriage  to  Jack  Todd — and 
the  thought  of  returning  here,  each  season  of  Con 
gress,  and  renew — at  every  sight  of  you — or  mere 
hearing  of  your  name — the  memory  of  what  I'd 
missed — disturbed  me  so  I  would  have  quit  public 
life—  only  for  my  good  friend — Mr.  Jefferson. 

DOLLY. 

Who  doubtless  suggested  more  effective  conso 
lations. 

MADISON. 

[Assenting.]  He  advised  even  larger  activities 
in  the  public  service,  and  that,  meanwhile,  I  seek 
distraction  by  travel — in  strange  lands. 

DOLLY. 

And  so  thee  traveled  to  Long  Island  !  [MADI 
SON  obviously  startled^  And  the  distraction  in 
that  strange  land — prett}7  ? 

MADISON. 

[Protesting^. ~\     I  beg  of  you 

DOLLY. 
[Insisting.']     Miss  Floyd.     Was  she  pretty  ? 

MADISON. 

[As  if  trying  to  recall.']  I — I  don't  recol 
lect —  [looking  at  her  meaningly}  now. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND        6 1 

DOLLY. 
Clever  ? 

MADISON. 

[Dubiously.]     She  had  some  reputation  for  wit 
— in  Long  Island. 

DOLLY. 
Blonde  or  dark  ? 

MADISON. 
Yes — and — no. 

DOLLY. 
One  or  t'other,  man  ! 

MADISON. 
[Confidently.]     Eight,    ma'am !      But   which— 

DOLLY. 

Well,  her  eyes,  brown,  or  black — or — like  mine, 
perhaps  ?  \Looks  straight  at  him. 

MADISON. 

{Promptly  gesturing  "  no"~\     Or  I  shouldn't  be 
here  ! 

DOLLY. 
And  for  wearing  rouge  thee  jilted  her  ? 

MADISON. 
[In  surprise]     Jilt  her — I  ? 

DOLLY. 
[Nodding  "  yes"]     Gossip  says. 

MADISON. 
Shoe's  on  wrong  foot. 


62         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[Indignant.*]  What !  Thee  don't  mean 
she ?  And  why,  pray? 

MADISON. 
Met  some  one  she  preferred. 

DOLLY. 

Reason  enough!  But  he  must  have  been  a — 
paragon  ! 

MADISON. 
A  parson !     And  played  the  forte-pianer ! 

DOLLY. 

Laws  !  What  taste  !  [Gesture  of  piano-play 
ing.']  A  man  at  the  forte-pianer!  When  she 
might  have  had  the  banjo!  The  forte-pianer! 
'Tis  a  kind  of  fancy-work.  And  you  loved  her  ? 

MADISON. 
Does  one  love  twice  ? 

DOLLY. 

[With  mischief.']  "What  better  tribute  to  a 
sweet  memory."4 

MADISON. 

[Moving  toward  'her  eagerly. .]  Then  I  may 
hope  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Gesture  of  decisive  "  no."~\     I  fear  not ! 

MADISON. 
[Resignedly.]     I  knew  that. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND        63 

DOLLY. 

Knew ? 

MADISON. 
That  you'd  refuse  me. 

DOLLY. 
And  yet  asked  me  ? 

MADISON. 

After  my  vow,  last  night,  I  was  bound — to  try  ! 
Though  I  knew  full  well  you're  to  marry  Mr. 
Burr. 

DOLLY. 
[Startled.]     But,  sir,  I've  no  such  intention ! 

MADISON. 
Mr.  Burr  has ! 

DOLLY. 
[Bridling.]     'Tis  for  me  to  say  ! 

MADISON. 
[Assenting.]     Yes — and — no. 

DOLLY. 
[  With  some  temper.']     Yes — or — no ! 

MADISON. 

[Appeasingly]  Whatever  you  say  'twill  come 
to  the  same.  Mr.  Burr  wants  you  for  his  wife. 

DOLLY. 
But  suppose  I  don't  love  him  ? 

MADISON. 
Nothing  to  do  with  it ! 


64         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 
{Flaring  icpJ]     Indeed  ! 

MADISON. 

[Continuing.]  Enough  for  Mr.  Burr  that  he 
loves  you,  and  means  to  marry  you. 

DOLLY. 
Whether  I  will  or  not  ?    • 

MADISON. 

[Laughing,  but  meaning  to  pique  herJ]  But  you 
will,  finally.  His  mind  is  bent  on  it !  And  even 
you,  rarest  of  women,  will  do  as  he  wishes. 

DOLLY. 
You  seem  very  sure  ! 

MADISON. 

If  I  weren't  sure,  perfectly  sure,  that  Mr.  Burr 
will  have  his  way,  would  I  offer  myself  ?  After 
hearing  his  proposal,  just  now,  could  I  be  so  dis 
loyal,  if  I  weren't  sure  my  own  suit  is  hopeless, 
against  this  man  your  sex  has  always  found  resist 
less  ? 

DOLLY. 

[  With  finality.}  I'd  marry  no  man  against  my 
will ! 

MADISON. 
lie  will  convince  you  ! 

DOLLY. 
How? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND        65 

MADISON. 
If  I  knew  how,  dear  lady,  I'd  do  it  myself. 

DOLLY. 
Of  course,  there  are  many  ways  to  win  a  woman. 

MADISON. 

[Ruefully.]  And  Mr.  Burr  has  'em  all,  by 
heart.  While  I — know  only  two  ways — and  those 
by  hearsay  !  One  is  to  carry  her  off  ! 

DOLLY. 
By  force  ? 

MADISON. 
[Assenting.']     If  need  be — a  knock  on  the  head  ! 

DOLLY. 

\_Amazed.~]  Wherever  d'you  learn  such  un 
godly  ? 

MADISON. 

[Quickly.]  From  the  Indians,  'mong  whom  I 
worked  as  missionary.  And  maids  wooed  in  that 
fashion,  they  say,  make  the  best  squaws  !  The 
other  way  the  woman  knocks  the  man  on  the 
head  and  carries  him  off. 

DOLLY. 
As  if  any  woman  could  do  so ! 

MADISON. 

Oh,  bless  you,  she  doesn't  really  do  it !  You 
only  let  her  think  she  does  it.  [lUsesJ]  And  I 
may  call  again  ? 


66        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 
"When  you've  forgotten  your  vow  ! 

MADISON. 

Never,  ma'am,  while  there's  a  chance — a  fight 
ing  chance !  [DoLLY  shakes  her  head  "  no"~] 
Oh,  I  shall  lose,  I  know,  but  until  you've  given 
your  word  to  Mr.  Burr ;  'til  he  lands  you  at  the 
altar-step — I  shall  try,  and  never  cease  to  try — 
though  I  wait  to  the  crack  of  doom ! 

DOLLY. 

Mr.  Madison,  is  there  Indian  blood  in  your 
family  ? 

MADISON. 
[Startled.]     Why ? 

DOLLY. 
Thy  persistence ! 

MADISON. 
It  annoys  you  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Seriously.']  'Tis  an  honor,  sir,  a  great  honor, 
that  no  woman  should  take  lightly.  But  since 
you  know  'tis  hopeless  — 

MADISON. 
I  ask  only  to  see  you  again. 

DOLLY. 

[Assenting.']  Well,  when  you  return  here — for 
the  next  Congress. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND        67 

MADISON. 

'Twill  not  meet  here,  but  in  the  new  capital, 
Washington. 

DOLLY. 

Yes.     I'd  forgot.     Well,  then,  when  this  Con 
gress  adjourns. 

MADISON. 
[Leading  her  on.~]     The  very  end  f 

DOLLY. 

[Decisively, ]    Not  an  hour  before  !    There,  I'm 
resolved ! 

MADISON. 

And   I   resigned — 'til   Congress   rises  only,   I 
vow  it. 

DOLLY. 
[  With  warning  gesture.]     No  more  vows ! 

MADISON, 

And  if  you  decide  to  receive  me  before 

DOLLY. 
Not  likely ! 

MADISON. 
Ladies  do  change  their  minds. 

DOLLY. 
Then  I  will  write  thee. 

MADISON. 

[Ruefully.]     "  Write,"  dear  lady  ?    Alas,  that 
means 


68        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[Impulsively.']    No,  no,  it  doesn't,  I  assure  thee. 
I've  no  such  thought,  this  moment. 

MADISON. 

[Fervidly.]     Lord !    If   Congress  would   only 
adjourn  this  moment ! 

DOLLY. 
Thy  presence  might  hasten  matters. 

MADISON. 
Thank  you,  ma'am — recalling  my  duties. 

DOLLY. 
The  Nation's  interest  only,  sir. 

MADISON. 
Quite  so !     And  you'll  send  me  word  ? 

DOLLY. 
Yes. 

[Gives  him  his  hat,  which  she  gets  from 
table  L. 

MADISON. 

[Loth  to  go.]     The  very  moment ? 

DOLLY. 
As  agreed.  [  Gets  his  gloves  from  table. 

MADISON. 
Hall  of  Congress  ? 

DOLLY. 
[Nodding  "  yes."]     Fifth  and  Chestnut. 

[Gives  him  his  walking-stick. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND      69 

MADISON. 

No,  my  lodgings.  "  The  Indian  Queen."  'Tis 
nearer. 

DOLLY. 
As  you  choose. 

MADISON. 

No — to  both  !  Better  to  both  !  So  one's  sure 
to  find  me.  Else  I'd  be  flying  between  them,  like 
boys  at  tag.  You  will  send  to  both  ? 

DOLLY. 
[Moving  toward  door.]     Yes,  yes. 

MADISON. 
[Still  lingering.]     And  now,  if  you'd  only . 

DOLLY. 
Not  a  third  message  ? 

MADISON. 

[Seizing  her  hand.]  No — but  give  me  assur 
ance 

DOLLY. 
[Drawing  away.]     You've  that — and  to  spare  ! 

MADISON. 
If  you'll  only  promise 

DOLLY. 
Nothing  more ! 

MADISON.  * 
'Tis  only  'til  I  call  again — you'll  take  no  more 


70         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

risks  on  slippery  pavements  !    And  God  bless  you, 
lady! 

[Kisses  both  her  hands  fervidly  and  exits 
.1       quickly.     DOLLY  stands  at  door  looking 
after  Mm,  then  turns  front. 

DOLLY. 

[Alone.]     He — timid  ? — My    eye    and    Betty 
Martin ! 


CURTAIN 


THE  SECOND  ACT 

SCENE. — DOLLY  TODD'S  parlor,  three  days  later. 
It  is  evening  and  the  room  is  lighted  by  many 
candles*  some  in  sconces,  others  in  candelabra. 
On  the  spinet,  or  elsewhere  in  conspicuous 
view,  a  banjo. 

During  the  progress  of  the  act,  a  dance  is  proceed 
ing  at  the  tavern  next  door.  The  music  is 
heard  faintly,  the  cello  tones  dominating. 

As  curtain  rises,  JENNINGS  enters  from  hall. 
PINCKNEY,  at  table  L.,  is  unwrapping  wax- 
paper  from  a  bouquet. 

PINCKNEY. 
Announce  me  to  Colonel  Burr. 

JENNINGS. 
Yes,  sir.  But  he's  awaiting  Mr.  Madison. 

PINCKNEY. 

Say  to  Colonel  Burr  I  have  word  for  him  from 
the  President.  [JENNINGS  starts  to  exit.  Enter 
ENA  FERRAR;  young,  gracious,  in  marked  con 
trast  to  her  sister,  LADY  MERRY.  She  is  pretty, 
of  the  English  type,  and  her  clothes  of  a  different 
style  from  that  of  the  American  women  in  the 
playJ]  Miss  Ferrar !  [Recalling  JENNINGS  to 
whom  he  hands  the  bouquet  J]  Care  for  these  till 
Miss  Ferrar  leaves  for  the  ball  next  door.  One 
moment [Detaches  the  dance-card.  JEN- 


72          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

NINGS  exits.     PINCKNEY  gives  ENA  tJie  dance- 
card.']    The  dance-card. 

ENA. 
[Looking  at  card.]     'Tis  already  written  on ! 

PlNCKNEY. 

A  suggestion,  merely,  of  what  I'd  like. 

ENA. 
[Reading  from  card.]     Quadrille,  cotillion,  reel, 

and  two  waltzes  ! 

PlNCKNEY. 

'Tis  only  half  the  dances. 
ENA. 
But  my  sister,  Lady  Merry,  might  object. 

PINCKNEY. 
[Overlooking  card,  dubiously.]     Then  we'll  omit 

the 

ENA. 
[Quickly.]     Waltzes ! 

PINCKNEY. 

The  quadrille !  And  that  we'll  sit  out.  So  you 
may  see  what  a  modish  assembly  looks  like  among 
us  savages. 

ENA. 
"  Savages,"  indeed  ! 

PINCKNEY. 
Then  we're  not  so  red  as  we're  painted  ? 

ENA. 
Fallal,  no !    I'm  hoping  we  stay  on  a  long  time. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         73 

PlNCKNEY. 

[In  tone  of  proposal.]     If  I  have  my  way,  you 
shall ! 

[LADY    MERRY'S   voice,  in    angry  tones  ^ 
heard  off. 

MERRY. 

{At  door,  R.]     Ena,  I  think  Angle's  wanting 
you. 

[ENA  crosses  to  exit.     Pauses  at  nod  from 

PlNCKNEY. 

PlNCKNEY. 

[To  MERRY,  showing  dance-card.]     May  I  have 
Miss  Ferrar  for  these  dances  ? 

MERRY. 
Ask  Lady  Merry ! 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Starting  to  exit.]     I'll  go  at  once. 

[LADY    MERRY'S    voice    still    heard  off  ; 
stamping  foot,  etc. 

ENA. 

[In  alarm  •  taking  dance-card]     No,  no — I'll 
tell  her — later. 

{Exit  ENA.     BURR  enters  from  halL 

BURR. 
[To  PINCKNEY.]     What  word  from  next  door  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

[To  BURR.]     Mr.  Jefferson  begs  you'll  join  him 
at  supper — after  the  dance. 


74       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 
[  Uncertain^     I  may  be  leaving  before. 

PINCKNEY. 

[Confidentially.}  He's  rather  anxious  over  this 
issue  of  the  Evening  Post.  [Shows  paper. 

BURR. 

[Talcing  the  paper. ~\     What  is  it? 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Pointing  to  the  article.']  An  account  of  a 
dinner-party  at  Mr.  Hamilton's. 

BURR. 

[Lightly. ,]  Oh,  yes.  I've  seen  this.  And  I've 
asked  Mr.  Hamilton  to  explain. 

[Continues  reading. 

JENNINGS. 
[At  door.]     Mr.  Madison.         [MADISON  enters. 

BURR. 

[To  PINCKNEY.]  Tell  the  President — no  need 
of  concern.  Hamilton  and  I  will  reach  an  under 
standing — [as  MADISON  comes  down]  thanks  to 
this  gentleman. 

MADISON. 

[To  PINCKNEY.]     I'm  just  from  Mr.  Hamilton. 
[MERRY   and  PINCKNEY   move  up  stage, 
into  the  hall,  where  they  are  seen  at  inter 
vals  passing  to  and  fro  in  animated  con 
versation. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         ?$ 

BUEE, 

[Pointing  to  newspaper.]  Did  Hamilton  say 
this? 

MADISON. 
[Evasively.']     He'll  be  here  presently. 

BUEE. 
Does  he  deny  he  said  it  ? 

MADISON. 
[Appeasingly.~\     Yes — and  no ! 

BUEE. 

[Impatiently, ]  Madison,  life's  done  much  for 
you !  Your  ancestors  gave  you  a  fine  head. 
Princeton  gave  you  learning.  The  Nation  gives 
you  honor.  Jefferson  offers  this  place  of  power. 
But  this  you  must  do  for  yourself.  Buck  up  and 
learn  to  say  yes  or  no  !  Now  does  Hamilton  own 
or  deny  this  ?  [Taps  the  newspaper. 

MADISON. 

Well — he  does  and  he  doesn't!  That  is,  he 
neither  denies  nor  affirms.  He  can't  recall  every 
word  he  may  have  used  in  all  your  hot  rivalry  of 
fifteen  years. 

BUEE. 

This  isn't  a  matter  of  fifteen  years,  but  of  three 
days !  And  no  great  strain  on  memory  to  recall 
such  words.  [Pointing  to  paper.]  "  I  look  upon 
Mr.  Burr  to  be  a  dangerous  man."  Did  he  say  it, 
or  didn't  he  ? 

MADISON. 
Well,  he  might  have  said  it 


76          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BUKR. 
{Turning  sharply  ^\     Ah ! 

MADISON. 

{Correcting  himself  quickly '.]  It  might  be  said 
— in  jest — or  banter. 

BUKR. 
[AmiablyJ]     Y-e-s. 

MADISON. 

[Laughing.]  It's  become  a  custom,  Hamilton 
says. 

BURR. 

[Assenting.]  A  superstition,  if  he  likes.  But 
did  he  use  that  phrase — of  me  ? 

MADISON- 

[As  if  to  make  light  of  it]  The  phrase  by  itself, 
as  it  stands  there,  may  mean  anything. 

BURR. 

[Gesture  of  "  no."~]  Only  one  thing — if  he 
said  it ! 

MADISON. 

But  all  depends — he  argues — on  the  tone  and 
spirit  of  the  speech — on  what  preceded  and  fol 
lowed — the  context  of  the  words. 

BURR. 

[  With  uplifted  eyebrows.']  Oh,  he  makes  it  a 
point  of  grammar,  a  matter  of  syntax,  elocution, 
the  dictionary  !  I  make  it  a  point  of  honor,  for 
him  to  deny  or  acknowledge  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         // 

MADISON. 

[Quickly.']  He  will,  when  you  specify  the  in 
stance,  the  particular  occasion  of  the  word. 

BURR. 

[Indicating  newspaper.]  But  here  it  is  !  Printed ! 

MADISON. 

The  bare  phrase  you  object  to,  yes,  but  nothing 
of  what  went  before— or  after. 

BURR. 

[Slowly  ;  after  a  pause.]  I  see — I  see.  He  has 
that  in  mind ! 

MADISON. 
[Nodding  assent.]     I  so  took  him. 

BURR. 
You  didn't  discuss  it  ? 

MADISON. 

Oh,  no  ! — I  held  to  the  printed  word,  as  you 
directed. 

BURR. 
Good! 

MADISON. 

The  rest  may  be  table  gossip,  a  mere  invention 
of  mischief,  or  malice. 

BURR. 

Perhaps.  [Calling.']  Sir  Anthony !  [MERRY 
comes  down :  PINCKNEY  follows.  BURR  speaks 
to  MERRY,  glancing  from  time  to  time  at  newspa 
per.']  You  were  at  this  dinner  at  Mr.  Hamilton's  ? 


78          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MERKY. 
Yes,  three  days  ago. 

BURR. 
Large  party  ? 

MERRY. 
Twenty  gentlemen  or  more. 

BURR. 

Ladies  present  ? 

MERRY. 
None. 

BURR. 

[After  a  slight  pause.']  Mrs.  Todd  was  the  toast 
of  the  evening  ? 

MERRY. 
[  Uneasily.]     In — a — way, — yes — but 

BURR. 

[Ironically.]  Of  course,  if  'twas  in  confidence 
to  the  twenty  gentlemen 

MERRY. 

[Breaking  in.~]  No,  no ;  'twas  quite  open ! 
After  a  health  to  the  new  President,  Mr.  Hamilton 
proposed  "  The  First  Lady  of  the  Land  "  ;  as  we 
stood  with  glasses  raised,  some  asked :  "  Mrs. 
Madison  or  Mrs.  Burr  f  "  [Hesitates. 

BURR. 
[  Urging  him.]     Yes ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         79 

MERRY. 

{Continuing^  "  It  comes  to  the  same  !  "  he  re 
plied.  "And  so  one  glass  may  serve  for  both, 
we'll  drink— Dolly  Todd." 

BURR. 

[After  a  slight  pause,  with  repressed  temper.'} 
Was  he  drunk  ?— Hamilton  ? 

MERRY. 

[  With  gesture  of  doubtful  "  no."]  U'm— cheer 
ful—like  the  rest  of  us.  But,  good  gad,  that  isn't 
printed  ? 

BURR. 

[Lightly.]  Oh,  no.  Merely  talked  of,  by  most 
of  the  twenty  gentlemen,  and  the  lackeys  who 
served  them.  When  it  comes  to  print,  Mr.  Ham 
ilton  sticks  to  politics.  There  he's  always  been 
safe  with  me.  If  you  will,  Mr.  Pinckney  ? 

{Hands  newspaper  to  PINCKNEY. 

PINCKNEY. 

[  Unfolding  paper  and  reading^  "  The  report 
that  Mr.  Hamilton  will  oppose  James  Madison  for 
Secretary  of  State  grows  out  of  the  gossip  of  a  re 
cent  dinner-party  at  Mr.  Hamilton's.  Some  kill 
joy  questioned  the  host  as  to  Madison's  fitness  for 

the  office " 

MERRY. 
{Promptly^     Yes,  /did. 

BURR. 

[Surprised.^      You  f 


8o         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MERRY. 

[Ingenuously.]  As  British  Minister,  my  chief 
concern  is  the  State  Department,  and  I  asked,  quite 
naturally — after  the  toast  to  Mrs.  Todd — what  Mr. 
Hamilton  thought  of  this  gentleman  [nodding  to 
MADISON]  as  Secretary  of  State. 

BURR. 

And  he  answered  as  they  ha\7e  it  there  ? 

[PINCKNEY  givespaper  to  MERRY.  MERRY 
crosses  to  fireplace  /  reads  in  silence. 
BURR  picks  up  banjo  from  spinet.  Looks 
at  MADISON  smilingly  ;  plunks  a  chord  or 
two. 

MERRY. 

[After  a  pause.]  Precisely  what  Mr.  Hamilton 
said — that  he  looked  upon  Mr.  Burr  to  be  a  dan 
gerous  man. 

BURR. 
The  others  heard,  of  course  ? 

MERRY. 

[Assenting.]  Good  God,  yes !  And  were  all 
attention  !  Fearing  he  had  misunderstood,  I  said 
"  but  'tis  Madison  who's  to  be  Secretary  of  State  " ; 
whereupon  Mr.  Hamilton  repeated,  quite  meas- 
uredty :  "  Yes,  and  I  look  upon  Mr.  Burr  to  be  a 
dangerous  man."  [Gives paper  to  BURR. 

BURR. 

[To  MADISON,  and  tapping  paper,  laughingly.] 
Word  for  word,  as  they  have  it  here. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         8 1 

MERRY. 
But  how'd  they  come  by  the  story  ? 

BURR. 

{Indicating  the  newspaper]  The  Post  has  al 
ways  been  Hamilton's  mouthpiece  against  [indi 
cating  himself]  this  "dangerous  man."  [To 
PINCKNEY.]  Tell  the  President  you  left  us  laugh 
ing  over  the  matter. 

PlNCKNEY. 

And  you  will  join  him  at  supper  ? 

BURR. 
[Deep  bow.]     Honored — if  not  detained. 

[MADISON  accompanies  PINCKNEY  up  stage 
at  door.  There  they  pause  for  a  moment ; 
then  disappear  into  hall. 

MERRY. 

I  must  send  that,  at  once,  to  London  !  It  will 
assure  the  loan  you  seek.  When  my  people  read 
between  the  lines 

BURR. 
[  With  spirit.]     Read  what  ? 

MERRY. 
Why,  your  admitted  influence  with  Madison. 

BURR. 
[Laughing.]     No  more  influence  than  you  have  ! 

MERRY. 

^  Directly,,  no !     But  here,  as  in  the  Courts  of 
Europe,  there's  always  a  Power  behind  the  throne. 


82          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

And,  if  our  clever  landlady  becomes  Mrs.  Madi 
son 

BURR. 

[Interrupting '.]  If  you  please !  No  lady's 
name  in  this  affair  ! 

MERRY. 
No  name,  of  course !     With  diplomats  a  mere 

hint 

BURR. 

[Decisively."}  No,  sir!  Not  by  hint,  intima 
tion,  nor  innuendo  !  Not  for  a  world  of  Mexicos  ! 

MERRY. 

[Insistent.']  "  Great  ventures  can't  stop  for 
small  morals." 

BURR. 

[Interrupting.]  N~o  point  here  of  small  morals, 
sir,  but — abuse  of  privilege,  hospitality,  with  a 
charming  woman  [as  MADISON  comes  down] 
whom  I  hope  to  make  Mrs.  Burr. 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door  announcing  J]  Mr.  Alexander  Hamil 
ton. 

MERRY  . 

[Quickly,  to  BURR.]  Before  you  receive  the 
gentleman,  may  I  have  word  with  him  ? 

[BURR  bows  assent.     MERRY  exits. 

BURR. 
[To  MADISON.]    I'll  not  see  him  ! 

[Makes  to  exit. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         83 

MADISON. 

[Stopping  him.']     I  beg  of  you 

BURR. 
[  With  anger.']    After  what  Merry  just  told  us  ! 

No! 

MADISON. 

[Persisting.]  Do  me  this  favor ;  and  come 
what  may,  I'm  your  friend  ! 

BURR. 

But  what  use  ? 

MADISON. 

[Persuadingly.]  If  you  two  men  will  come  to 
gether — if  only  for  a  moment — I  am  sure  you  can 
compose  this  quarrel.  And  you  must ! 

BURR. 
You  fear  for  him  ? 

MADISON. 
No! 

BURR. 
Then  for  me  ? 

MADISON. 
Even  less !    It's  for  Mrs.  Todd  I  fear. 

BURR. 

Her  name  won't  figure  in 


MADISON. 
[Ironically.]     Won't  it,  indeed  ? 


84         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 
No,  not  while  we  keep  to  the  printed  word. 

{Indicates  paragraph  in  newspaper. 

MADISON. 

But  the  spoken  word  ?  That  you  heard  just 
now  from  Merry.  The  talk  of  the  twenty  guests 
and  the  lackeys  who  served  them  ?  The  words 
that  went  before,  and  followed  the  phrase  you'd 
keep  to — the  "  instance  "  they'd  have  you  specify 
—the  "  particular  occasion  "  of  the  words.  Will 
her  name  figure  there  ?  Or  won't  it  ? 

BURR. 
[After  a  troubled  pause^\     I'll  see  him  ! 

MADISON. 

Thanks !  [Makes  to  exit.]  I'll  fetch  him  and 
then  leave  you. 

[A  turmoil  is  heard  from  room,  R.  ENA 
enters  hurriedly  from  R.  As  the  door 
opens  LADY  MERRY'S  voice  heard  off  in 
angry  colloquy.  MERRY  enters  from  hall. 

BURR. 

[Stopping  MADISON.]  No, — the  reception  room 
—show  him.  [MADISON  exits  c.  BURR  turns  to 
MERRY,  quizzically,  indicating  noise  off.~]  We 
might  disturb  Lady  Merry. 

[Exit,  L.  LADY  MERRY'S  voice  heard  in 
angry  tones.  Stamping  foot,  etc. 

MERRY. 
What's  the  trouble  with  Angie  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         85 

ENA. 

[  Tone  of  resignation^}     Angle  ! 

MERRY. 
Who  now  ?    Mrs.  Todd  ? 

ENA. 

For  the  moment,  no  !  It's  the  coiffeur.  He 
forgot  hair-powder,  and  Angle's  telling  him  what 
she  thinks  of  the  American  Republic. 

[LADY   MERRY   heard  nearer  in   quarrel 
with   the  hair-dresser,  who  flees  through 
the  room  protesting  :  "  Oui,  Madame.     1 
fetch,  Madame,  etc}'' 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Pursuing  him  to  door,  c.]  You'd  better ! 
And  be  quick  about  it ! 

HAIR-DRESSER. 
Oui,  I  get  ze  powder  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
You  a  hair-dresser — indeed  ! 

HAIR-DRESSER. 

Oui,  Madame ! — I  dress  ze  hair  for  General 
Washington !  {Exit. 

LADY  MERRY. 

{Continuing  toward  door  c.,  looking  after  himJ] 
Hell's  bales  !  Don't  you  throw  that  man  in  my 
face  !  He's  dressed  General  Washington's  hair  ! 
For  any  and  every  complaint  that  one  answer  : 
"  General  Washington  ! "  I  tell  Mrs.  Todd's  cook 
the  roast  is  overdone  and  their  excuse  is  :  "  Gen- 


86         THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

eral  Washington  has  dined  here."  I  say  the 
Madeira's  muddy,  but — [nose  in  air]  "  Gen 
eral  Washington  didn't  find  it  so  !  "  They  bring 
a  pint  of  water  for  a  bath  and  when  I  ask 
for  more,  "  'Twas  always  plenty  for  the  Gen 
eral  !  "  The  beds  are  hard  beyond  endurance,  but, 
"  General  Washington  has  slept  in  'em."  I'll 
have  them  know  I'm  not  dining  with  General 

Washington,  nor  drinking  with  him,  nor  si 

[MERRY  and  EN  A  shocked.']  Well,  in  short.  Gen 
eral  Washington  isn't  paying  my  score  !  Pretty 
place  to  bring  us  ! 

MERRY. 

Best  the  town  affords,  and  pray  be  your  usual, 
tactful  self  with  our  hostess. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Spitefully.]     This— landlady  ? 

ENA. 

"  First-lady-in-the-land "   she'll   likely   be,   Mr. 
Pinckney  says. 

MERRY. 

So  they  said  t'other  night  at  Mr.  Hamilton's 
dinner-table. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Well,  if  you  ask  my  opinion 

MERRY. 
[Interrupting  in  alarm.]     I  don't ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
Well,  I  told  her  plump  what  was  hinted  there. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         8/ 

MERRY. 
That  she'd  be  Mrs.  Madison  or  Mrs.  Burr ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
Pounds  to  pickles  she  takes  the  rake  ! 

ENA. 

\Despairingly.~]    The  Vice-President !     [ftises.] 
Hadn't  we  better  make  ready  ? 

MERRY. 
'Tis  only  next  door. 

LADY  MERRY. 
What  time's  this  war-dance  begin  ? 

ENA. 

It's  a  ball,  Angie,  to  honor  the  new  President. 
Nine  o'clock's  the  quadrille. 

LADY  MERRY. 
That's  all  you'll  dance  with  the  yokels  ! 

ENA. 
I've  engaged  to  waltz  with  Mr.  Pinckney. 

LADY  MERRY. 

Mr.  Pinck !    Very  social  on  short  acquaint 
ance — with  that  popinjay  ! 

ENA. 
Why  do  you  speak  so  of  these  people  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 
I'll  say  what  I  like  ! 

ENA. 
In  Madrid  or  Petersburg  they'd  sent  us  packing ! 


88          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

LADY  MERRY. 
I  never  said  such  things  in  Spain  or  Kussia. 

ENA. 

[Cuttingly.]  You  didn't  speak  the  language 
well  enough ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Turning  on  her.']  I'll  speak  "  language  "  you 
never  heard  before  if  that  Yankee  hangs  about. 

JENNINGS. 

[Announcing. ~]  The  Marquis  D'Yrujo  and  Miss 
McKean. 

MERRY. 

[8otto-voce.]     Careful !     His  fiancee. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Oh !          [Enter  D'YRUJO  and  SALLY.    Bows. 

SALLY. 
[To  JENNINGS.]     Apprise  Mrs.  Todd. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Introducing  ENA.]  My  sister,  Miss  Ferrar. 
[To  D'YRUJO.  Lorgnettes  SALLY.]  So  this  is 
the  future  Marquise  ?  How'd  that  happen  ? 

D'YRUJO. 
[Bowing  to  SALLY.]     My  answer,  ma'am. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[To  ENA.]  I  must  write  Peggy  this  very  day. 
[To  SALLY.]  My  cousin,  Lady  Peggy  Hastings. 
D'Yrujo  was  head  over  heels  to  marry  her. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         89 

SALLY. 
[Sweetly.]     My  compliments  to  the  lady  ! 

LADY  MERKY. 
But  he  wanted  too  much  ! 

SALLY. 
Then  my  condolence  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

Thanks,  though  she'd  have  died  in  this  awful 
country ! 

D'YRTJJO. 

[To  switch  the  conversation.]  Lately  arrived,  I 
believe. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Last  ship. 

D'YRUJO. 
Good  crossing  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 

Only  seven  weeks  from  London — worse  luck! 
Now  I  see  what  we've  come  to,  I  wish  it  had  been 
seven  years  !  What  on  earth  keeps  you  here  ? 

D'YRUJO. 
My  king's  interests. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Have  the  Yankees  left  him  any  ? 

D'YRUJO. 
Mexico ! 


90          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

LADY  MERRY. 
They  must  have  overlooked  it ! 

[D'YRUJO  crosses  to  MERRY.     TJiey  move 
up  stage. 

JENNINGS. 
[At  door,  to  SALLY.]    Directly,  Mrs.  Todd  says. 

LADY  MERRY. 
The  house  is  full,  if  you're  looking  for  lodgings. 

SALLY. 
We're  calling  on  Mrs.  Todd. 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Affecting  surprise.]     You  know  her  ? 

SALLY. 
My  dearest  friend. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Disdainfully.']  Oh  !  But  I  suppose  no  social 
lines  are  drawn  here  since  the  Declaration  of  Im 
pudence.  [Enter  DOLLY.  She  wears  a  gown  of 
black  lace,  and  Quaker  cap  and  kerchief.  D'YRUJO 
salutes  DOLLY  elaborately.  LADY  MERRY  to  DOLLY 
with  insolence]  Has  that  coiffeur  returned  ? 

DOLLY. 
The  servant  will  bring  thee  word. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[To  the  others]  Fancy  !  After  being  jabbed 
and  pulled  for  hours  by  a  yokel  hair-dresser  [to 
DOLLY]  recommended  by  you,  ma'am,  though  I 
swear  he  learned  his  trade  in  a  stable,  to  find  he's 
brought  no  powder ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         91 

DOLLY. 
'Tis  little  used  here,  ma'am. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Since  when  ? 

DOLLY. 

It  went  out  with  the  English  !  Except  for  the 
middle-aged.  The  gentlemen  complained  it  soiled 
their  coats. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Lorgnetting  DOLLY.]  I  notice  they  don't  ob 
ject  to  rouge  ! 

DOLLY. 

[  With  glance  at  SALLY.]  Yes — and— no.  [To 
D'YRUJO.]  Thee'll  be  leaving  soon  for  Wash 
ington  ? 

D'YRUJO. 
[  With  meaning.]     And  you,  too,  we  hope. 

LADY  MERRY. 

Too  bad  there's  no  lady  for  the  President's 
house !  Of  course,  I  only  mean 

DOLLY. 
{Finishing  for  her.]     President's  widower. 

LADY  MERRY. 
And  the  Vice-President  ? 

DOLLY. 
Mr.  Burr  has  no  wife — of  his  own. 

LADY  MERRY. 
So  many  here — widowers  !    How'd's  happen — 


92          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

not  taking  second  wife  ?  Though  with  Mr.  Burr, 
easy  understood.  You  made  him  so  comfortable 
here!  [The  others  disconcerted.]  And  my  hus 
band,  too ! 

DOLLY. 

Yes,  Sir  Anthony  said  he  hadn't  been  so  con 
tented  in  years ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[.Looking  about]     He  warned  me  such  accom 
modations  were  scarce,  and  dreaded  my  coming. 

DOLLY. 
So  he  kept  saying,  Lady  Merry. 

LADY  MERKY. 

Oh  !     Don't    bother    with    my    title !     Since 
they're  "  taboo  "  here,  I'll  forget  I'm  Lady. 

DOLLY. 

Just   be  your  own  natural  self,  ma'am,  if  it 
makes  you  more  comfortable. 

CLOTILDE. 

[At    door    to    LADY    MERRY.]     The  coiffeur, 
Madame,  with  powder. 

[LADY  MERRY  and  ENA  rise. 

DOLLY. 
[Mock  regret]     Oh,  and  we're  just  getting  cozy  ! 

ENA. 
[Sotto-voce  to  DOLLY.]     Please  forgive  Angie ! 

DOLLY. 
[Same  business]     And  you  forgive  me. 

[They  clasp  hands. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         93 

LADY  MERRY. 
[At  door.]    Ena !  {Exit  ENA. 

SALLY. 
[Laughing.]     A  handful,  isn't  she  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Angrily.]     She    can't    find    things    pleasant 
enough  to  say  to  me. 

SALLY. 

I    notice    she  didn't  say  them.     Though  she 
didn't  put  you  out  any. 

DOLLY. 

Before  that,  I'd  put  her  out !    I  would  now,  only 
I  owe  for  this  new  frock. 

SALLY. 
[Admiringly]     Smartish ! 

DOLLY. 

Mr.  Madison  may  be  calling — on  his  way  to  the 
dance. 

SALLY. 
His  old  flame,  Miss  Floyd,  will  be  there. 

DOLLY. 

[ As  if  enlightened]     O-o-h  ! — With  the  parson  ? 
[  Gesture  of  piano  playing. 

SALLY. 
She's  jilted  him ! 

DOLLY. 
Laws !    'Tis  a  habit  with  her  !    If  she  keeps  on 


94          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

no  man  will  go  to  Long  Island.     D'ye  suppose 
she's  come  for  another  look  at  Mr.  Madison  ? 

SALLY. 
As  a  Cabinet  officer,  he'll  look  better. 

DOLLY. 

[Dubiously^     Yes.     And  while  she's  at  hand 
to  console  him,  he'll  think  to  hurry  my  answer. 

SALLY. 
{Confidentially^  Will  you? 

DOLLY. 
I've  half  a  mind. 

SALLY. 
Only  half? 

DOLLY. 
[Troubled.']  H'm,  h'm. 

SALLY. 
Where's  the  other  half  ? 

DOLLY. 
Second  floor  front ! 

SALLY. 
You  wouldn't  think  of  marrying  Burr ! 

DOLLY. 

\Raiher  pensively .~\     One  thinks  a  lot  of  things 
when  the  day's  long  ! 

SALLY. 

[Warningly.~]    Dolly!     That  rake!    Why, they 
say  half  the  women  he  meets 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND    95 

DOLLY. 

[Interrupting, .]  Now  don't  tell  a  woman  she 
mustn't  love  a  man  because  other  women  love  him  ! 
Competition  is  the  life  of  trade !  Whatever  I 
think  of  Mr.  Burr — [seriously]  I'll  take  care  he 
doesn't  know  it ! 

SALLY. 
[  WarninglyJ]     Ah,  but  you're  wavering  ! 

DOLLY. 

What  woman  wouldn't — between  two  such  men  ? 
A  woman  half  Quaker — half  Irish  ! 

{Enter  MERRY  and  D'YRUJO/rtfra  hall. 

D'YRUJO. 
[To  SALLY.]     At  your  service  ! 

[SALLY  and  DOLLY  move  up  stage.  Enter 
LADY  MERRY,  followed  by  EJSTA,  from 
door  R.  They  are  in  full  attire  for  the 
ball. 

DOLLY. 

[Admiringly.]  Lady  Merry,  if  you'll  allow 
me,  your  cloak  is  gorgeous ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

You  hear,  Ena  ?  I  said  'twas  good  enough  ! 
Haven't  had  it  on  since  my  thirtieth  birthday. 

DOLLY. 
How  well  it's  worn  ! 

[All  exeunt  into  hall,  laughing,  chatting, 
leave-taking.  BURR  enters  from  door 
L.,  crosses  to  spinet,  takes  up  banjo, 
plays  a  few  chords. 


96          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 
[Turning  to  DOLLY  at  door.]     Well  ? 

DOLLY. 
[Same  tone.]     Well  ? 

BURR. 
Tell  me. 

DOLLY. 
Tell  thee  what  ? 

BURR. 
Jim  Madison's  asked  you  ! 

DOLLY. 

[In  tone  of  contradiction .]  What  makes  thee 
think  so  ? 

BURR. 
[Holding  up  banjo.]     I  dote  on  the  banjo. 

[Plays  a  few  chords. 

DOLLY. 

Nonsense !  Left  here  by  a  former  lodger.  I 
fetched  it  from  the  attic,  to  help  make  conversa 
tion.  But  I  never  knew  you  could 

BURR. 

Heaven  forbid  I  couldn't  do  anything  that  Jim 
Madison  does.  [Putting  down  banjo.]  Own  up, 
he  did  make  love ! 

DOLLY. 
[Pretending  doubt]     Urn — yes  and  no ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         97 

BURR. 

{Rather  slightingly -.]  That's  like  him !  You 
haven't  answered  ? 

DOLLY. 

Yes. 

BURR. 

[  Unhappy  ^\     Ah ! 

DOLLY. 
[Quickly.]     And  no ! 

BURR. 
That's  like  you — born  diplomat ! 

DOLLY. 

Laws !  Should  I  jump  down  the  man's  throat 
the  moment  he  opens  his  mouth  to  speak  of  mar 
riage  ? 

BURR. 
[Encouragingly.]     No,  of  course  not ! 

DOLLY. 

I  must  have  time 

BURR. 

[Approvingly.]     Right ! 

DOLLY. 

[Continuing.']     — : —  to  think  it  over. 

BURR. 
By  all  means  !     He  must  be  reasonable  ! 

DOLLY. 

So  he  was  !  Most  reasonable  !  Said  he'd  wait 
'til  the  crack  of  doom  ! 


98          THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 

[  With  mock  surprise.]     I  never  knew  him  to  be 
so — impulsive ! 

DOLLY. 

I  said  he  might  call  again — when  Congress  ad 
journs. 

BURR. 
I've  never  known  you  so  deliberate. 

DOLLY. 

[In  alarm.].   Why?    Does  it  threaten  a  long 
session  ? 

BURR. 

Until  to-morrow. 

DOLLY. 

[Dumbfounded.]     To-morrow ! 

BURR. 

They  adjourn  then  :  to  reassemble  in  Washing 
ton.     Didn't  he  tell  you  that  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Nodding  "  yes"]     He — he — mentioned  Wash 
ington,  but— — 

BURR. 

Omitted  the Deceived  you,  eh  ?     What's 

happened  the  man  ?     He's  become  human  !     And 
on  first  meeting  with  you  !     Shocking  ! 

[Takes  snuff. 

DOLLY. 
We'd  met  before. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND         99 

BURR. 
Then  he  deceived  me,  as  well  as  you. 

DOLLY. 

'Twas  only  by  chance  and  quite  informal.  My 
heel  slipped  on  the  icy  pavement,  and  Mr.  Madi 
son  set  me  on  my  feet. 

BURR. 

And  so  you  promptly  took  him  off  his ! 
Woman  ! 

DOLLY. 
He  can  take  care  of  himself  ! 

BURR. 

He'll  have  to  !  If  he  doesn't  make  you  marry 
him,  I'll  make  you  marry  me. 

DOLLY. 
O-o-h — you  threaten  me  ? 

BURR. 

Only  to  know  my  fate  !  I've  paid  my  debt  of 
gratitude  to  Madison,  brought  him  here,  sung  his 
praises.  Now  you  must  choose  between  us  ! 

DOLLY. 
[As  if  skeptical^     You  ask  me  to  marry  you  ? 

BURR. 

'Tisn't  the  first  time  ! 

DOLLY. 

\Looking  in  mirror.~\  No,  but  I've  never  taken 
it  serious. 


100       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

v 

BURR. 

You  do  now.  You  looked  in  the  mirror.  First 
thing  a  woman  does  after  a  proposal ! 

DOLLY. 
[Shaking  her  head  "  no. "]     A   proposal  from 

you [  With  pretended  seriousness.]     Ah,  I'm 

disappointed  in  thee  :  so  disappointed  ! 

BURR. 

Disapp ? 

DOLLY. 

[Interrupting. ]  I've  always  counted  thee  a 
friend,  a  good  friend.  [Laughing  and  lapsing  into 
the  brogue.]  And  now  you  ask  me  to  marry  you  ! 
[Starts  to  exit.]  Go  'long  with  you  ! 

[Extends   her   hand   dismissingly  /    BURR 
takes  and  holds  it. 

BURR. 
Not  'til  your  answer  !     Madison  or  me ! 

\_A  pause. 

DOLLY. 

[Drawing  away,  BURR  still  holding  her  hand] 
To-morrow. 

BURR. 
To-morrow  may  be  Jemmy's.     Now  is  mine  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Turning  suddenly  and  facing  BURR.]  Well, 
then,  advise  me ! 

BURR. 
Advise  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       IOI 

DOLLY. 

As  a  friend.  How  would  thee  advise  ?  As  my 
best  friend. 

BUEE. 

Oh,  hang  it.  that  isn't  fair !  You  put  me  on  my 
honor. 

DOLLY. 

It  has  never  failed  me.  Between  Mr.  Burr  and 
Mr.  Madison,  whom  had  I  better  take  ? 

BUEE. 

\As  if  in  doubt."]     Both  have  their  points  ! 

DOLLY. 
[Same  business.']     'Tis  that  troubles  me. 

BUEE. 
You've  known  Burr  longer. 

DOLLY. 

But  I  know  Madison  better  !  Burr's  a  man  of 
mystery.  No  one  really  knows  him,  and  no  one 
ever  will — least  of  all,  his  wife  ! 

BUEE. 

\Persuadingly. 1  "  Vice-President  and  Mrs. 
Burr ! " 

DOLLY. 

[Same  toneJ]  "  Secretary  of  State  and  Mrs. 
Madison ! " 

BUEE. 
'Twon't  be  said  that  fashion. 


102       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

No? 

BURR. 

T'other  way  about.  "Mrs.  Madison  and  the 
Secretary  of  - 

DOLLY. 

[Catching  his  meaning.}  That  you  call  "sing 
ing  his  praises  "  ? 

BURR, 
[NoddingI}     Yes. 

DOLLY. 

[  Continuing^  Same  tune  as  u  Buck  up,  Jemmy ! " 
BURR. 

Yes,  to  you,  clever,  ambitious  [DoLLY  makes 
gesture  of  protest}^  I  know  you  best  of  all !  Most 
ambitious  woman  in  the  sixteen  states  ! 

DOLLY. 
Then  of  the  honors  you  name  — 

BURR. 

There's  a  better,  "  Empress  of  Mexico  !  " 
DOLLY. 

[Laughing.]  Laws  !  Still  buzzing — that  bee  ? 
Ever  since  I've  known  you,  your  head's  run  on 
Mexico ! 

BURR. 
More  than  ever ! 

DOLLY. 
.Now  you're  Vice-President  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       103 
BURR. 

Because  of  it !  The  thought  of  four  years,  pos 
sibly  eight,  of  conspicuous  insignificance  appals 
me !  And  against  that  desert  of  ennui — an  em 
pire — to  be  had  for  the  taking  !  An  "  empire  "  f 
We'd  make  it  paradise  P 

DOLLY. 

Go  on  so  and  I'll  be  marrying  you — to  keep 
you  out  of  mischief,  and  Mexico  !  Patience,  man, 
and  the  prize  you've  just  let  go  is  yours,  in  eight 
years  at  most. 

BURR. 

[Ruefully. ,]  Eight  years!  I  shall  be  fifty.  For 
a  man  at  that  age,  no  prizes — only  consolations ! 

DOLLY. 

Mr.  Madison  may  feel  the  same,  though,  I  be 
lieve,  he's  a  bit  younger  ? 

BURR. 
Yes.     And  /  brought  him  here !    What  a  joke ! 

DOLLY. 
Joke? 

BURR. 

[Pointing  to  her  keel.]  If  the  tilt  of  your 
French  heel  should  change  my  destiny  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Tilting  her  nose.~]  The  tilt  of  Cleopatra's  nose 
changed  Caesar's. 

BURR. 

[In  tone  of  absurdity. .]  But  you  marry  Madi 
son — with  his  "  yes,  and  no  "  ! 


104       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

He'll  say  yes  or  no,  if  I  marry  him.  And,  Kon- 
nie,  he's  worth  twenty  of  you  ! 

BURR. 

{Nodding  assent.]  Yes— but  not  for  you  !  I'm 
your  man  !  And  you  know  it. 

[Approaches  her. 

DOLLY. 

[Rising,  draws  away.~\  I  want  none  of  thee — 
I've  always  told  thee  so. 

BURR. 
I  never  took  you  serious. 

DOLLY. 

[Crossing  to  L.]     The  conceit  of  the  man  ! — 

"  my  man  "  ! 

BURR. 

[  With  feeling.]  Who  knows  you  best  of  all, 
understands  you  to  the  full !  Who  sees  beneath 
that  prim,  Quaker  kerchief  a  heart  in  rhythm  with 
his  own,  a  spirit  gay  and  daring :  that  would  droop 
like  a  caged  bird,  with  prosy,  timid  Jemmy  1 

DOLLY. 

[Of  her  guard.]  "Timid"?  [BuRR  shows 
surprise.]  I'd  question  that  of  any  man  that 
plays  the  banjo  !  [Soberly,  and  betraying  her  in 
most  thought.]  With  him  I  should  have  peace, 
calm,  the  assurance  of  a  love  constant  and  abso 
lute  ; — with  you,  unceasing  doubt — the  shame  of 
rivalry,  the  torture  of  jealousy 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       105 

BURR. 

[  Quickly,  interrupting. ]  Never — I  can  swear  it ! 
DOLLY. 

[With  brogueJ]  Sure  you  can — with  all  the 
practice  you've  had !  And  the  others  you  swore 
to ;  they  believed  you  ? 

BURR. 
I  hope  so ! 

DOLLY. 
And  you  expect  me  to  be  equally  foolish  ? 

BURR. 

No  !  That's  the  irony  !  The  one  woman  with 
whom  I  really  mean  it  doesn't  believe  me. 

DOLLY. 

Faith — you're  always  so  honest  with  me, — I 
marvel  I  never  do  believe  you. 

.    GLOTILDE. 

[At  door.]  Beg  pardon,  but  some  one  bring  let 
ter  for — [to  BURR]  Monsieur. 

BURR. 
Leave  it  in  my  room. 

CLOTILDE. 

He  say  I  must  give  it  into  Colonel  Burr's  hands. 
[Gives  BURR  letter  and  waits. 

BURR. 
[To  DOLLY.]    May  I? 

[Opens  the  letter  and  reads.     DOLLY  sits  at 
spinet ;  plays  very  softly.     BURR,  after 


106       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

reading  letter,  glances  meaningly  at 
DOLLY  ;  starts  as  if  to  show  her  the  let 
ter ',  then  gazes,  as  if  lost  in  thought,  into 
space.  CLOTILDE  waits  in  hall.  Some 
seconds  elapse. 

CLOTILDE. 

Monsieur  [nodding  toward  MESSENGER],  the 
messenger  waits. 

BURR. 
There  is  no  answer.     Say,  "  No  answer !  " 

[Exit  CLOTILDE. 

DOLLY. 

[At  spinet ;  speaking  over  her  shoulder •.]  •  She'll 
be  heart-broken,  poor  thing !  'Tis  the  cruelest  of 
answers.  "  There's  no  answer."  Will  she  be  at  the 
dance  ? 

BURR. 
Who? 

DOLLY. 

[Piqued.~\     My  eye  and  Betty  Martin  i 

[Pounds  keyboard  and  rises  as  if  to  go. 

BURR. 

[Intervening,  shows  "  address  "  of  Utter.]  Is 
that  a  lady's  script  ? 

DOLLY.         * 
Huh !     Little  I'd  care  - 

BURR. 

[Drawing  near  to  herJ]  I  wonder,  sometimes, 
if  you  really  care  as  little  as  you  pretend. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 
Sometimes,  I  wonder. 

BURR. 

{Earnestly '.]  Put  away  all  question !  I'll  jus 
tify  your  faith !  I  love'  you.  I  adore  you.  I 
would  stake  my  life  for  you,  and  I  want  you  to 
believe,  to-night,  if  never  before ! 

DOLLY. 

[Lightly r,  as  if  to  swerve  him  from  his  serious 
mood.}  Because  Mr.  Madison's  calling  ? 

BURR. 
[  With  a  shrug.']     Perhaps 

DOLLY. 
[  With  fervor.]     You  fear  he  might  persuade  me ! 

BURR. 

No,  but  you  might  persuade  yourself  and 

Dolly,  never  'til  this  moment  did  I  realize  what  a 
woman's  love  could  mean  to  me. 

DOLLY. 

[  With  fan-tap.]  You've  turned  forty,  Ronnie. 
At  that  age  it  comes  hard.  Go  'long  to  the  dance, 
she'll  be  waiting  for  you.  [BuRR  turns  to  goJ] 
Save  one  for  me ! 

BURR. 
[Near  exit,  c.]    All — if  you  like  ! 

DOLLY. 

[At  R.  corner  of  spinet.]  Just  one — the  first 
waltz,  so  she  can't  have  it. 


108       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 
BUKK. 

Will  you  wait  up  till  I  return  ? 

DOLLY. 
ISTot  likely ! 

BURR. 
I  may  be  leaving  on  a  long  journey. 

,  DOLLY. 
To  Mexico  ? 

BURR. 

Or  even  further. — And  I  may  want  to  tell  you 
something. 

[CLOTILDE  at  door  L.     She  is  obviously  agi 
tated. 

DOLLY. 
What,  pray  ? 

BURR. 

[After  slight  pause  of  hesitation. ,]     Good-night ! 

[Exit. 

CLOTILDE. 
[Enter in g  as  B u RR  exits.    Excitedly. ]    Madame ! 

DOLLY. 

Yes! 

CLOTILDE. 
That  letter  was  from 

DOLLY. 
How  dare  you,  girl ! 

CLOTILDE. 
Oui,  Madame,  but — they  have  quarrel ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       1 09 

DOLLY. 

Who? 

CLOTILDE. 
Monsieur  Burr  an'  Hamilton. 

DOLLY. 
[Lightly.']     They  always  do. 

CLOTILDE. 
Not  like  thees,  Madame.     Marie  say 

DOLLY. 

[  With  temper,  and  gesture  of  dismissal."]     Allez  ! 
Didn't  I  forbid  thee  ever  repeat  Marie's  chatter  ? 

CLOTILDE. 
Oui,  Madame.  [Starts  to  go. 

DOLLY. 

[Recalling  her  when  near  exitJ]     What  did  she 
say  ?    What  nonsense  did  she  tell  you  ? 

CLOTILDE. 
[Ominously.']     They  light,  Madame. 

DOLLY. 
[Incredulous. .]     Fight  ?     You — mean — duel  ? 

CLOTILDE. 

Oui,  Madame.     [In  half  whisper.']     An'  tees  for 
a  lady  ! 

DOLLY. 
When? 

CLOTILDE. 

It  will  be  arrange  soon  Monsieur  Burr  arrive 
New  York. 


110       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 
Where'd  you  learn  all  this  ? 

CLOTILDE. 
Marie.     She  hear  at  Madame  Jumel's 

DOLLY. 
Have  you  spoken  with  any  one  ? 

CLOTILDE. 
[Abashed.}     Madame [Sniffles. 

DOLLY. 
Answer ! 

CLOTILDE. 
Alixe ;  Mr.  Burr's  man.     I  only  ask  him. 

DOLLY. 
He  told  you  'twas  nonsense  ? 

CLOTILDE. 
Oui,  Madame ! 

DOLLY. 
Of  course ! 

CLOTILDE. 

But  slap  my  face  and  say  if  I  tell  you,  Madame, 
he  cut  my  tongue  out ! 

DOLLY. 
Said  that,  did  he  ? 

CLOTILDE. 
Oui,  Madame,  so  I  quick  tell  you  ! 

[JENNINGS  at  door  c. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       III 

JENNINGS. 

Mr.  Madison. 

DOLLY. 

[Panicky.]  Not  at  home  !  Yes,  I  am.  Show 
him  in.  [Exit  JENNINGS.  To  CLOTILDE.]  Go 
next  door.  Have  Mr.  Burr  called  from  the  ball 
room.  Tell  him  Mrs.  Todd  will  wait  up  till  he  re 
turns.  [CLOTILDE  exits  L.  DOLLY  goes  quickly 
to  cabinet  on  desk  R.,  near  door  /  takes  rouge-brush 
and  mirror  from  drawer  •  rouges  cheeks.  Through 
out  ensuing  scene  DOLLY  is  obviously  under  nervous 
tension,  knowing  of  impending  duel  /  her  gaiety 
a  mask  of  her  actual  feeling .  JENNINGS  ushers 
in  MADISON.  To  MADISON,  quickly.]  Thee 
wasn't  to  call  till  Congress  adjourns  ! 

MADISON. 

I  come  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Jefferson — to  beg 
you'll  join  the  dance. 

DOLLY. 
But— he  knows  I'm  still  in  mourning. 

MADISON. 
[EuefidlyJ]     Awkward ! 

DOLLY. 

[Sighing.']  Oh,  being  a  widow  isn't  all  cakes 
and  ale  ! 

MADISON. 

[Eagerly.]  The  yery  mood  he  hoped  to  find 
you  in ! 

DOLLY. 
Lonely  ? 


112       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

[Nodding  "  yes"]  And  perhaps  you'd  welcome 
a  little  diversion  [confidentially],  and  give  him 
chance  to  add  his  persuasions  to  mine.  He's  most 
anxious  to  announce,  to-night,  that  his  adminis 
tration  will  be  graced  by  a  clever,  serious  woman. 

DOLLY. 

[Protesting.]  Ah,  but  I'm  not  a  serious 
woman !  Don't  be  taken  in  by  my  Quaker  cap, 
sir.  If  I  didn't  keep  it  tied  very  tight  [pulling 
the  cap-ribbons]  it  wouldn't  set  straight.  'Tis  only 
fair  to  warn  thee.  Thee  knows  me,  sir,  so  little. 

MADISON. 
Except  by  reputation. 

DOLLY. 

Drat  reputation  !  You've  a  reputation  for  being 
timid,  and  here  you  are  ready  to  marry  a  woman 
you'd  never  known — only  for  her — ankle  !  I 
wouldn't  marry  a  saint  on  his  reputation  ! 

[DoLLY  sits  B.  of  table,  L. 

MADISON. 

That's  a  comfort,  ma'am.  He  couldn't  live  up 
to  it — with  you. 

DOLLY. 

Heaven  forbid  he  try !  [MADISON  sits  on 
couch  E.  c.]  'Twould  keep  me  fretting  over  my 
own  imperfections.  But  why  this  lively  concern 
of  Mr.  Jefferson  in  my  answer  ? 

MADISON. 

[Evasively.]  Well,  I  fancy,  ma'am,  he  fears  a 
Cabinet  made  up  of  widowers  and  bachelors  might 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       113 

prove  unpopular ;  and  if  I,  the  youngest  among 
them,  can't  find  a  wife  [DoLLY  turns  her  head],  I 
feel  I  should  decline  the  State  portfolio. 

DOLLY. 

[  With  pretense  of  pique]  Well,  I've  given  no 
thought  to  marrying  a  portfolio — of  any  quality  ! 
But  if  a  wife  is  all  that's  wanting  to  complete  Mr. 
Jefferson's  Cabinet  [rising'],  go  ask  Miss  Floyd. 
[MADISON,  disconcerted,  rises.']  She's  at  the 
dance,  and  now  she's  had  enough  of  the  forte- 
pianer,  she  may  give  ear  to  the  banjo. 

MADISON. 
[Eagerly.]     Dare  I  believe,  ma'am,  you're  just 

a  bit ? 

DOLLY. 

[Interrupting  /  laughing.]  Jealous  ?  Me  ?  Not 
the  least !  [  With  some  show  of  anger]  But  if 
you  think  to  court  me  for  campaign  purposes,  as  a 
part  of  Mr.  Jefferson's  political  policies,  or  a  piece 
of  furniture  for  the  State  Department 

MADISON. 
[Troubled]     But — my  dear  lady  - 

[Draws  nearer. 
DOLLY. 

[  Warningly,  in  broken  voice]  No,  no  !  Don't 
urge  thy  answer — to-night ! 

MADISON. 

[Earnestly.]  Yes — to-night — this  very  hour — 
now — I  want  your  promise  ! — To-morrow — or  the 
day  after — recall  it  if  you  choose ! — But  till  then 
you  are  pledged  to  me ! 


114       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

No !     You  must  give  me  time — to  think  it  over. 

MADISON. 

A  year  if  you  like — forever — if  only  meanwhile 
you  marry  me  !  [DoLLY  protests,  with  gesture  of 
refusal.  With  feeling '.]  And  I  dare  assure  you'll 
have  no  cause  to  regret  it.  All  that  my  great 
love  can  do  to  make  you  happy,  and  all  that 
my  poor  gifts  can  do  to  make  your  life  splendid, 
I  promise  absolutely.  And  I  only  wish  I  could 
tell  it  you  less  bluntly  and  awkwardly. 

DOLLY. 

[Tearfully. ,]     Faith !     I've  heard  it  done  worse, 

sir ;  and  I  wonder  how  Miss  Floyd [  With 

quick  swerve  to  tone  of  gaiety  J\  Go  find  her,  sir ; 
she's  entitled  to  another  chance.  She's  come  all 
the  way  from  Long  Island  for  no  other  purpose. 
And  you'll  own,  sir,  I  was  no  better  than  a  second 
choice.  You'll  see  her  at  her  best  to-night — soft 
lights  and  music,  and  dancing,  and — who  knows  ? 
Once  you  have  her  in  your  arms  again 

MADISON. 

[Protesting .]     Never,  ma'am ! 
DOLLY. 

But  you  will,  to-night — in  the  waltz !  And  to 
that  music !  [She  indicates  tavern  whence  waltz 
music  is  heard  faintly r.]  Just  come  from  France ! 

MADISON. 

[Rather  sombrely  J\  My  heels  aren't  up  to  that 
—to-night ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       115 

DOLLY. 

The  tune  will  carry  'em  along,  once  you  get  it 
well  in  mind.  {Goes  to  spinet.]  Take  the  banjo  ; 
that  will  help. 

[MADISON  takes  the  banjo  ;  sits  at  table  L. 

MADISON. 
[Tuning  up.]     Give  me  D,  please. 

DOLLY. 
You  play  by  note  or  ear  ? 

MADISON. 
{Lost  in  troubled  thought]     Yes — and— no. 

DOLLY. 

[Impatient.  Forming  mouth  as  if  to  say 
"  Damn  "  y  then  quickly '.]  "  D,"  you  said,  sir  ? 

MADISON. 
If  you  please. 

[Plays  the  banjo,  to  the  accompaniment  of 
the  spinet. 

DOLLY. 

The  dance  is  very  simple,  sir.  [Comes  down — 
illustrates  the  old-time  waltz.]  Between  a  high 
land-fling  and  a  pigeon-wing.  One — two — three ; 
one — two — three.  Once  you're  in  the  swing  of 
it,  your  heels  will  fairly  fly.  [Dances  faster  while 
MADISON  swings  his  crossed  leg  in  rhythm.  She 
continues.]  One  arm  about  thy  partner, — so  !  'Tis 
sometimes  done  with  both,  and  if  the  floor  be  slip 
pery,  take  care  thee  holds  her  tight. 


Il6       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

[Letting  fall  the  banjo  and  rising  eagerly.]  Let 
me  try  it,  ma'am. 

DOLLY. 

By  all  means !  [MADISON  starts  to  put  arm 
about  her.  She,  drawing  away.']  No  need  of  that ! 

MADISON. 
"  Hold  tight  "—you  said. 

DOLLY. 
If  the  floor  be  slippery  ! 

[They  execute  a  feio  waltz-steps  at  a/writs 
length,  and  both  counting,  "  One — two — 
three"  etc.  BURR  appears  at  door. 

BURR. 
I  beg  pardon [MADISON  stops  suddenly. 

DOLLY. 
[To  BURR.]     You  left  the  ball  early. 

BURR. 

[DrollyJ]     Evidently  just  in  time. 

MADISON. 
[Embarrassed.]   Mrs.  Todd  was  showing  me 

BURR. 

[  With  knowing  nod.]  The  first  step  in — diplo 
macy.  But  Mr.  Jefferson  tells  me  you  may  de 
cline  the  State  Portfolio. 

MADISON. 
Yes! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND   1 1/ 

BURR. 
Because  your  appointment  is  opposed  ? 

[MADISON  tries  to  signal  silence  to  BuRR. 

DOLLY. 
[Catching  the  move.']     Opposed — by  whom  ? 

MADISON. 
Mr.  Hamilton,  chiefly 

DOLLY. 
But  why,  why  ? 

BURR. 
Because  of  me  ! 

DOLLY. 

[To  MADISON.]  But  you've  been  friends,  you 
and  Hamilton ! 

MADISON. 

{Nodding  assent.]  Until  I  stood  up  for  Burr  in 
the  election-tie. 

DOLLY. 

[Matter-of-fact  tone.]  The  day  he  brought  you 
here? 

MADISON. 

My  few  words,  in  Burr's  defense,  enraged  Ham 
ilton,  and  he  threatens  to  harass  the  administra 
tion  if  I  am  State  Secretary. 

DOLLY. 

And  that  is  why  you  decline  the  post  ?  And 
not  because  you  can't  provide  a  lady  for  the  State 
Department  ?  You  haven't  been  frank  with  me, 
sir! 


Il8        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

I'm  sure,  ma'am,  if  you  understood 

DOLLY. 
I  quite  understand. 

MADISON. 

My  acceptance — Mr.  Burr  well  knows— might 
em  barrass — others. 

BURR. 

[  With  meaning. ~\  Give  yourself  no  uneasiness 
on  that  score.  Mr.  Hamilton,  I  promise,  will  give 
you  no  trouble. 

MADISON. 
If  I  felt  sure  of  that 

BTJKE. 

[Buoyantly^  You  may  be !  Hamilton  and  I 
have  done  with  quarrels  !  Go  tell  the  President 
you  take  the  post. 

MADISON. 

[Firmly.']  I  will — [after  a  troubled  glance  at 
DOLLY  and  BURR]  to-morrow. 

DOLLY. 
To-night,  sir !     Now  ! 

MADISON. 

{After  a  paused}    As  you  will,  ma'am — always ! 
[Kisses  her  hand.     Moves  to  exit  C. 

DOLLY. 

And  the  waltz.  [Repeats  the  dance-step.}  One 
— two — three ! — You'll  not  forget  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       119 

MADISON. 
[  With  feeling.]     I  fear  not,  dear  lady  ! 

[Exit  MADISON. 

BURR. 

Jim  Madison  !  [Imitates  his  waltz-step ;  then 
with  a  gesture  of  mock  consternation.']  What  a 
woman  can  make  of  a  man  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Gayly.]  Plenty  tried  their  hands  on  you,  and 
a  nice  cup  of  tea  they've  made  of  it — [with  sud 
den  vehemence}  this  time  !  [BuRR  displays  utter 
consternation.  DOLLY  continues  tensely '.]  You're 
going  to  fight  Hamilton  ! 

BURR. 

{Taken  by  Surprise,  his  tone  betrays  the  truth.'] 
Good  God,  ma'am  ! 

DOLLY. 
Thanks  !     I  was  'fraid  you'd  deny  it. 

BURR. 
You  shouldn't  know 

DOLLY. 
But  I  do  ! 

BURR. 
From  Madison  ? 

DOLLY. 
No! 

BURR. 
Then  Pinckney  ? 


120       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 
Beau  Pinckney  ? 

BURR. 
Put  here  to  spy  on  me  ! 

DOLLY. 

Laws !  See  how  you — magnify  !  You  think 
yourselves  so  clever  and  careful.  But  put  you  at 
table  with  a  pretty  woman  and  some  wine,  and 
the  rest  of  the  world  dissolves ;  you're  in  the 
clouds — while  your  soul's  secret  goes  below  stairs 
with  every  empty  bottle  and  change  of  plate. 

BURR. 
I'll  deny  what  you've  heard. 

DOLLY. 
Why  ?    Why  should  you  deny  \i  ? 

BURR. 

So  that  you  may  say  I  denied  it — that  you  knew 
nothing  of  this. 

DOLLY. 

Why  !  Why  !— What  am  I  in  this  quarrel 
'tween  you  and  Hamilton  ? 

BURR. 

Nothing,  nothing !  Only—  well,  he's  determined 
to  destroy  me  !  [Spoken  very  lightly. 

DOLLY. 

[As  if  impatient.]  So  you've  always  said. 
And  he  of  you !  You've  been  at  each  other's 
throats  from  the  time  you  were  boys  with  Wash 
ington. 


THE  FIRST  LADV  OF  THE  LAND       121 

BURR. 
Whom  he  set  against  me  ! 

DOLLY. 
But  no  duel ! 

BURR. 

[  With  bitterness.]  He  fought  me  for  Governor 
—for  the  Senate 

DOLLY. 
No  duel ! 

BURR. 

[Continuing.]  Kept  me  from  the  Presi 
dency  

DOLLY. 
Politics !    And  still  no  duel ! 

BURR. 

Now  he  turns  the  careless  chatter  of  his  own. 
dinner-table — to  destroy  me. 

DOLLY. 

[As  if  skeptical.]  What  can  he  do  to  ki  des 
troy  "  you  ? 

BURR. 
He  says  I'm  a  dangerous  man  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Bursting  into  ripple  of  laughter.]  And  that's 
the  reason  for  a  duel  ?  If  'twere,  you'd  have  to 
fight  half  the  men  in  the  United  States — and  all 
the  women  !  [Rises.']  He's  always  called  you 
"  dangerous." 


122       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 

{Lightly '.]  Dangerous  to  the  country.  That  I 
didn't  mind — "  Politics  " — as  you  say.  But  now 
he  becomes  personal ! 

DOLLY. 
[Half  in  question.]     Who  is  she  ? 

BURR. 
[Gesture  of  denial.]     No,  no ! 

DOLLY. 

[Standing  at  right  of  table.  Insisting.]  The 
truth  !  Who  is  she  ?  Back  of  all  the  quarrels 
'tween  you  two  there's  always  been  a  she !  'Bove 
all  the  nigh-sounding  phrases  of  politics  and  prin 
ciples  one  could  always  hear  the  rustle  of  a  petti 
coat.  You've  endured  much  from  each  other  in 
public  life.  It's  been  give  and  take,  in  fairness  and 
reason — and  now,  at  the  top  of  your  careers,  only 
one  thing  could  bring  you  to  the  pistol  point — and 
she's  a  —  [BURR  startled  into  trying  to  silence 
her]  Oh,  I  can't  say  the  word,  'cause  I'm  a 
Quaker,  damn  it !  But  it's  twice  too  good  for  the 
French  hussy.  [BuRR  winces]  And  you  don't 
dare  deny  it !  [BuRR  gestures  helplessness]  And, 
but  now,  when  you  asked  me  to  be  your  wife,  you 
knew  of  this  ? 

BURR. 

[Assenting]     Yes. 

DOLLY. 

And  with  my  word  pledged  to  you,  you  would 
involve  me  in  this  wretched  affair — of  scandal— 
maybe  tragedy  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       123 

BURR. 

[After  slight  pause,  in  matter-of-fact  voice.'}    Yes. 

DOLLY. 
Ronnie,  was  that  fair,  or  honest,  or  decent  ? 

BURR. 

J  Matter -of -fact.]     No,  it  wasn't.     But  it  was  the 
y  way.     [Tensely.]     And  I  want  you  ! 

DOLLY. 

And  want  to  make  sure  of  me,  before  you  leave 
on  this  errand,  so  that  if  you  return — well,  what 
ever  happened,  you  knew  I'd  keep  my  word. 

BURR. 

And  if  I  didn't  return,  you'd  keep  me  [hand  on 
heart]  here,  whoever  called  you  wife. 

DOLLY. 

You  are  without  shame,  or  conscience — without 
fear  of  God  or  man  ! 

BURR. 
[Assenting]     That  much  I  love  you  ! 

DOLLY. 

[  With  growing  excitement,  almost  to  hysteria  and 
tears.]  Then  you  will  not  do  this  mad  thing — this 
wicked,  stupid,  silly  -  [BuRR  attempts  to  in 

terrupt]  Yes,  that's  what  it  is,  Ronnie  Burr — a 
blunder  that  shames  you — who've  always  called 
blunder  worse  than  sin  !  And — [with  burst  of 
laughter]  Lord,  how  they'll  laugh  at  you  ! 

BURR. 
Laugh  ? 


124       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[Still  laughing."]     Every  one  !  To  see  you  go  to 

the  devil,  just  as  they  always  predicted — for  a 
petticoat ! 

BURR. 

So  I  would — any  day — for  the  woman  I  love  ! 

{Approaches  her. 
DOLLY. 

Yes,  and  take  her  to  the  devil  with  you,  any 
day.  But  only  for  one  day,  and  then  you'd  come 
back  for  another !  You  sha'n't  do  so  with  me  ! 

BURR. 

[Overcome,  betraying  himself."]  Good  God,  can't 
you  see,  even  now  — 

[Moves  to  take  her  in  his  arms. 

DOLLY. 

[Evading  him;  exultant]  I  knew  it!  Now 
we've  the  truth !  I'm  the  quarrel  'tween  you  two. 

BURR. 

[Denying."]     On  my  oath  ! 
DOLLY. 

[Snapping  her  fingers."]  That  for  your  oath ! 
'Gainst  your  every  tone  and  look  just  now.  And 
when  I  "damned  the  woman,  you  didn't  dare  de 
fend  her,  lest  you  betray  yourself  as  now  !  With 
out  that,  I'd  have  known  it !  Madison  opposed  for 
office  "  because  Burros  a  dangerous  man  "  !  Who 
will  doubt  what  that  means  ?  [Indicates  self.] 
And  that  much  you  love  me  ?  You'd  make  that 
love  a  byword  and  scandal — and  every  linger 
point  at  me  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       125 

BURR. 

[Ominously.']  Oh,  no!  Not  when  I've  done 
with  Mr.  Hamilton ! 

DOLLY. 
You  shall  not !     I  forbid  you ! 

BURR. 

[Quietly.}  There's  no  turning  back  now,  not 
even  for  you.  I  must  meet  him. 

DOLLY. 
Meet  him,  yes,  but  with  no  harm  to  him. 

BURR. 
I  should  be  a  laughing-stock ! 

DOLLY. 

Why  ?  You've  fought  before  and  left  your  man 
unhurt.  Foretold  the  very  button  you'd  shoot 
from  his  coat — satisfied  honor  with  mere  show  of 
your  skill.  And  so  you'll  do  now ! 

BURR. 

Impossible.  [Turns  to  go. 

DOLLY. 
[Brokenly. ,]     Then  I'm  done  with  you  ! 

[Crosses  to  desk. 

BURR. 
[Startled ;  turning. ,]     Dolly  ! 

DOLLY. 

[  Vehemently .]     Done  with  you,  sir ! 

[Sits  at  desk  and  writes. 


126       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 

[After  slight  pause.]  And  take  Madison  ?  He 
came  for  his  answer  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Spoken  while  writing  letterJ]  He  went  away 
without  it!  When  I  learned  of  this  quarrel  I 
made  believe  to  be  jealous — to  avoid  answer.  Said 
he  must  wait  till  he'd  seen  his  old  flame.  But 
now  he  shall  have  his  answer ! 

[Seals  note  •  rings  tap-bell  on  desk.  Rises, 
goes  to  c.  As  she  passes  BURR  he  stops 
her. 

BURR. 

[Taking  note  from  her.]     You  don't  love  him. 
[DOLLY  looks  at  BURR,  but  does  notansiver; 
she  is  obviously  dominated  by  him. 

CLOTILDE. 
[At  door.']     Madame  ? 

BURR. 

[Quickly. ~]  Tell  my  man  to  make  ready.  We're 
leaving  at  once.  [Exit  CLOTILDE.  DOLLY  moves 
as  if  to  re-take  letter.  BURR  crosses  to  fireplace, 
tears  letter  and  throws  it  into  grate.}  You — don't — 
love — him. 

DOLLY. 
I  will— when  you've  gone.    I  shall— when  you're 

not  near  me.     When  you  are [Hand  across 

brow,  as  if  to  dispel  charm}     I'm  little   better 
than  the  rest,  whom  you  make  do  as  you  bid. 

[A  pause. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       12? 

BURR. 

[  With  profound  tenderness.]  And  if  I  do  now 
as  you  bid  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Troubled.]  Why — why — [suddenly]  come  back 
for  your  answer ! 

BURR. 
[Laughing.]     Within  the  week ! 

DOLLY. 
You  will  shoot  to  miss  ? 

BURR. 
Of  course ! 

DOLLY. 
At  any  risk  to  yourself  ? 

BURR. 
Word  of  honor !    Wish  me  Godspeed  ! 

DOLLY. 

And  speedy  return — [BURR  moves  as  if  to  kiss 
her.  She  draws  away]  if  thee  doesn't  fail  me ! 

BURR. 

[Ecstatically.]  "Fail  you"?  And  lose  all 
chance  of  you  ?  I'd  rather  he  killed  me ! 

DOLLY. 

So  would  I !  [Exit  BURR.  DOLLY,  alone,  lis 
tens  to  the  faint  music  from  the  tavern  mingling 
with  the  sleigh-bells  of  arriving  guests.  Rings. 
CLOTILDE  enters^  Lights  out ! 

[  Goes  to  window  in  hall ;  opens  it. 


128        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

CLOTILDE. 
Oui,  Madame. 

{Snuffs  candles.     Advances  to  reading -light 
near  fireplace. 

DOLLY. 

{Coming  down  as  CLOTILDE  is  about  to  extin 
guish  lightJ]  No — leave  that.  I'll  read — till  the 
music  stops. 

CLOTILDE. 

{Nodding  toward  tavern^  Tees  gay  to-night — 
the  ball. 

DOLLY. 
Very ! 

[  Takes  look  from  table.    Sits  in  front  of  fire. 

CLOTILDE. 

Madame,  now  the  Congress  go  'way,  there  be 
rooms  free,  for  new  lodgers. 

DOLLY. 

{Promptly^  No,  no !  And  if  any  apply,  say 
Mrs.  Todd  no  longer  takes  boarders.  {Exit  CLO 
TILDE.  DOLLY  gazes  abstractedly  into  the  fire,  the 
light  of  which  illumines  her  face.  The  room  in 
darkness,  save  for  the  reading  lamp,  and  the  moon 
light,  through  hall  window.  From  the  tavern  the 
music  sounds  somewhat  louder  in  the  silence  of  the 
scene.  The  candle-light  flickers  and  finally  sput 
ters  out.  There  is  seen,  at  hack,  as  if  through  a 
morning  haze,  a  dumb-show  of  the  duel  between 
Burr  and  Hamilton,  carried  on  in  animated  pan 
tomime.  At  the  drop  of  the  kerchief,  to  signal 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       129 

"  Fire"  the  flash  of  the  pistols  is  seen,  but  there  is 
no  sound,  A.S  Hamilton  totters,  JSurr  leaps  toward 
him,  his  face  showing  utter  surprise.  The  vision 
ceases  abruptly.  The  hall  window  falls  with  a 
crash  of  broken  panes.  DOLLY,  jumping  to  her 
feet,  calls  in  tone  of  terror '.]  Clotilde  ! 

[CLOTILDE  enters  quickly  with  lamp. 

CLOTILDE. 
Oui,  Madame. 

DOLLY. 
That  noise ? 

CLOTILDE. 

[Pointing  to  hall-window  where  the  curtains  are 
blowing."}     The  hall-window — it  fall,  Madame. 

DOLLY. 

[Passing  hand  over  brow  as  if  dazed.']     Oh — is 
that  all  ?    I  must  have  been 


CURTAIN 


THE  THIRD  ACT 

SCENE. —  The  red  room  of  the  Presidents  Man 
sion,  which  came  to  be  called  the  White  House. 
Six  months  later.  The  walls  are  covered  with 
crimson  damask  /  the  chairs  and  couches  are 
of  red  brocade  in  frames  of  gilt.  Floor 
waxed  and  polished  to  the  point  of  reflection. 
Two  large  chandeliers  of  rock  crystal  are  sus 
pended  by  red  silk  cords.  At  hack,  on  either 
side  of  the  elaborate  marble  'mantel,  are  double 
doors  that  lead  into  tlie  main  corridor  of  the 
house.  At  right  and  left  of  scene  are  smaller 
mantels,  with  doors  on  either  side  leading  into 
various  apartments — the  Cabinet-Room,  the 
Presidents  office,  etc.  Over  the  mantel  at  hack 
is  the  life-size  portrait  of  George  Washington, 
painted  by  Gilbert  Stuart.  Over  the  mantels 
at  left  and  right  are  mirrors.  Down  stage, 
right  and  left,  busts  of  Louis  XVI and  Marie 
Antoinette  on  tall  pedestals. 

The  Foreign  Ministers  and  their  ladies,  together 
with ^  MADISON  and  PINCKNEY,  are  assembled 
at  rise  of  curtain.  They  are  chatting  audibly, 
animatedly,  so  that  a  confused  murmur  of 
speech  reaches  the  audience.  In  the  hall,  just 
beyond  the  doors  at  back,  n.  and  L.,  stand 
FOOTMEN  in  the  Jefferson  livery.  DE  VAUX, 
the  Major-Domo,  at  door  R.,  back.  String 
music,  not  too  audible  above  the  chatter, 
130 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       131 

throughout  opening  of  act.  The  guests  move 
about,  informally,  to  the  doors  R.  and  L.,  as 
if  surveying  the  adjoining  apartments.  In 
one  of  the  latter  is  seen  bowl  of  punch  and 
silver  goblets  on  table.  The  Ministers  of  Rus 
sia  and  of  Turkey  figure  mutely  among  the 
other  diplomats. 

PiCHON. 

[He  lorgnettes  bust  of  Louis  XVI  on  pedestal. 
Churlishly  to  MADISON.]  Mr.  Secretary  ! 

MADISON. 
[Coming  down]     Monsieur  Pichon  ! 

PiCHON. 

Who  have  you  here  ? 

MADISON. 

Your  former  king,  Louis  XVI,  whose  war-ships 
helped  us  at  Yorktown.  He  gave  America  this 
head. 

PICHON. 

[  With  gesture  of  beheading."}  He  gave  France 
his  own.  [Icily.']  Napoleon's  envoy  [indicating 
himself]  did  not  expect  to  meet  him  here !  [An 
grily. ,]  Nor  Sir  Anthony  Merry  ! 

MADISON. 
[Affecting  surprise]     British  Minister  ? 

PICHON. 
But  France  and  England  at  war ! 


132       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 
[Appeasingty]     Forget  it — during  dinner. 

[A  voice  off,  announcing.  MADISON  turns 
to  go. 

PlCHON. 

'[Intervening -,   sotto    wee.]     The  President,   of 
course,  takes  in  my  wife ! 

MADISON. 
He  couldn't  do  better  ! 

DE  VAUX. 

[At  door  back;    announcing. ,]     Minister   from 
the  Netherlands  and  Yrou  Van  Berckel. 

[They  enter— figures  of  cheer  and  dignity. 
In  look  and  dress  like  Rembrandt  por 
traits. 

MADISON. 
[Greeting.]     Madame ! 

VAN  BERCKEL. 
Ye  are  late,  but  the  storm ! 
MADISON. 
[Assenting]     Yes,  bad  driving  to  get  here. 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

[Cheerily.']    Ye  came  in  a  poat ! — De  streets  are 
canals ! 

MADISON. 
Like  in  Holland  ? 

VAN  BERCKEL. 
Makes  us  feel  at  home  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       133 
EN  A. 

[Coming  down  from  PINCKNEY,  to  VROU  VAN 
BERCKEL.]  My  sister,  Lady  Merry's  often  spoken 
of  you. 

VROU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
[Beaming. ~\     So  ? 

ENA. 
And  how  d'ye  like  it  here  ? 

VROU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
So! 

ENA. 

[-Rapturously.]  Isn't  it  fascinatin'  ?  I've  been 
gay  as  a  grig  since  landin' !  Lost  my  heart  com 
pletely  ! 

VROU  VAN  BERCKEL. 

[  With  a  smile.]     So  ? 

ENA. 

The  country,  and  people !  Every  one  so  civil — 
not  the  least  like  report. 

VROU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
Unt  Laty  Merry  is  veil? 

ENA. 
Her  usual  self.     I'll  fetch  her.  [Goes  up. 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

[Gesture  of  despair.]  Dondervetter !  [Crosses 
quickly  to  VROU  VAN  BERCKEL.]  Eememper — 
mit  Laty  Merry — [finger  on  lips]  silenzio  ! 


134       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

VROU  VAN  BEKCKEL. 

[Same  business.]     So ! 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

Unt  vat  she  says  [tapping  right  and  left  ear]  in 
• — unt — out ! 

VKOU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
[Nodding  assent. .]     So  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Her  voice  heard  in  tone  of  complaint  as  she 
comes  down.]  I'll  swear  our  horses  swam  here ! 
[Greets  VAN  BERCKEL.]  How  d'ye  do,  Mynheer  ? 
We  haven't  met  since  Madrid. 

VAN  BERCKEL. 
You  hafen't  changed,  ma'am. 

LADY  MERRY. 

I'm  here  only  a  week !  [_To  VROU  VAN 
BERCKEL.]  And  you  here,  too  !  You  poor  thing ! 
How'd  that  happen  ? 

VROU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
Mynheer  vas  promoted. 

LADY  MERRY. 

Promoted  f  From  Madrid  ! — to  this  God-for 
saken  swamp?  The  place  fairly  reeks  of  agues 
and  alligators  and  things.  All  one's  life  is  worth 
to  put  foot  out-of-doors.  [Confidentially.']  I  say, 
d'you  suppose  it's  some  deep  game  of  this  Presi 
dent  fellow  to  kill  us  off  ?  What  ?— No  ?  He's 
full  of  those  bloodthirsty  French  ideas  !  Every 
body  free  and  equal !  You'll  dine  to-night  with  a 
bar-maid ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       135 

VKOU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
So? 

ENA. 

[Horrified.]     Angle ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
Well,  perhaps  not  exactly 

ENA. 

[Interrupting  •  rather  breathless  with  anger  /  to 
VROU  VAN  BERCKEL.]  Mrs.  Todd — was  good 
enough — to  receive  us — in  her  Philadelphia  home 
— for  a  time — as  guests. 

LADY  MERRY. 

Paying  guests !  You  know,  the  old  tune. 
"  Gentlewoman,  reduced  circumstances,  will  re 
ceive  a  few  paying  guests,  if  properly  introduced." 
Mr.  Burr  introduced  Tony [Fans  herself  vig 
orously  and  hums  meaningly  the  tune  of  "  Mary 
Was  a  Housemaid"]  H'm — what?  Oh,  I  thought 
you  said  something.  [VROU  VAN  BERCKEL 
promptly  sfiakes  head  " no"  ENA  walks  about 
nervously,  obviously  annoyedJ]  That's  the  worst 
of  being  diplomat's  wife !  We're  tongue-tied ! 
Though  Lord  knows  it's  no  secret.  [ENA  anx 
iously  pulls  at  LADY  MERRY'S  frock.']  Don't 
fidget,  Ena !  She'd  have  married  the  rake  only 
for  his  killing  that  man  Hamilton.  And  on  her 
account,  too  !  Now  she'll  likely  take  that  Mr. 
Maddington,  to  stop  vicious 

ENA. 

[Interrupting ;  to  VROU  VAN  BERCKEL.] 
Where's  your  Legation  ? 


136       THE  FIRST  LADY,  OF  THE  LAND 

VROU  VAN  BEKCKEL. 
[Dubiously.']     In  a — kind  of  a  house. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Like  ours,  I  suppose — a  hut ! 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

[Promptly,  and  after  sign  of  silence  to  his  wife.] 
But  in  de  most  beautiful  street  in  de  city — 
[indicating  spacious  vistas]  statues,  fountains, 
sunken  gartens,  colonnades — magnifique ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Eagerly.]     In  God's  name,  where  is  it  ? 

VAN  BERCKEL. 
Yell,  ees  yet  only  on  de  map  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

On  the  map  !  Our  Legation  has  a  pump  on  the 
map,  but  not  on  the  premises  !  Fancy,  not  even  a 
pump  !  We'll  file  to  the  river  for  a  morning  tub 
— like  Indians. 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

Our  house  is  most  confenient.  Excellent  duck- 
shooting  in  de  back  yart ;  and  partridges  unt 
squails.  And  ven  de  river's  high  a  little,  goot 
fishing  von  de  parlor  vindow. 

ENA. 
How  jolly ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
For  a  shooting-box — not  a  capital ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       137 

VAN  BEECKEL. 

Of  course,  ees  not  yet !  But  ven  ees  once — has 
efery  advantages. 

LADY  MERRY. 
What,  pray  ? 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

{Puzzled  for  answer.}  Um — veil — for  one 
ting,  de  best  oysters  in  Vashington  I  efer  eat ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Rising.]     Oysters — and  diplomats ! 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

Veil,  a  good  diplomat  can  learn  someting  from 
a  good  oyster ! 

[Takes  his  wife's  arm,  moves  up  stage. 

DE  VAUX. 

[Announcing]  The  Minister  from  Turkey ! 
[The  MINISTER  FROM  TURKEY  enters,  folloived 
by  tiny  negro,  carrying  narghile,  Turkish  pipe. 
The  MINISTER  elaborately  disregards  the  women  ; 
crosses  L.,  sits  cross-legged  on  divan,  and  proceeds 
to  smoke.  DE  VAUX  to  LADY  MERRY  as  she  passes 
himJ]  This  room,  ma'am  [pointing  to  room  R.],  con 
tains  portraits  of  the  Signers  of  the  Declaration 
of  Inde — [LADY  MERRY  turns  away  impatiently] 
and  a  collection  of  stuffed  birds.  President's  own 
hand-work  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[To  MERRY.]  Come,  Tony,  we'll  look  at  the 
stuffed  birds  !  [Exit  with  EN  A. 


138        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MERRY. 

[Coming  down  with  PINCKNEY.  To  MADISON 
in  tone  of  affected  surprise.]  Mr.  Pinckney  in 
forms  me  Pichon  is  dining  here  ! 

MADISON. 
French  Charge — of  course  ! 

MERRY. 
Our  countries  are  fighting  ! 

MADISON. 

[Appeasingly]  They. may  have  stopped— for 
dinner. 

MERRY. 

Possibly!  [Starts  to  go  R.  Stops.]  The 
President,  I  anticipate,  takes  in  my  wife. 

MADISON. 

[Same  tone  as  to  PICHON.]  He  couldn't  do  bet 
ter. 

MERRY. 

[To  PINCKNEY.]  Lady  Merry  accepts  the 
honor.  I  promise  him  ! 

[Exit  MERRY.     PINCKNEY  and  MADISON 

disconcerted. 

•  PINCKNEY. 

He  means  "command."  And  President  will  re 
sent  his  "  high-horse." 

MADISON. 

Merry  knows  that.  He's  riding  for  a  fall.  [As 
if  struck  with  sudden  idea]  All  the  better  for  us 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND        139 

— if  he  stumbles  over  some  such  trifle  as  a  point  of 
dinner-etiquette. 

D'YRUJO. 

[Coining  down;  with  subtlety  J\  Does  to-day's 
company  include  Mr.  Burr  ? 

MADISON. 

The  Yice-President  is  in  the  South ;  since  his 
tragic  meeting  with  Mr.  Hamilton  he's  been  there. 

D'YRUJO. 
[Ironically .]     For  his  health  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Quickly.]  Hunting  expedition,  his  friends  re 
port — for  big  game. 

D'YRUJO. 

Yes — Mexico !  [MADISON  startled.]  Isn't  that 
the  game  he's  after?  To  take  Mexico'  from 
Spain  ? 

MADISON. 
[Dismissingly.]     Of  course  we've  heard  rumors. 

D'YRUJO. 

[Derisively.]  "  Rumors  "  !  Mr.  Burr  "  hunts  " 
with  three  thousand  rifles,  crack-shots  every  man 
of  them  !  And  you  hear  only — rumors  ! 

MADISON. 

[After  slight  pause.]  Whatever  Mr.  Burr's 
plans,  Spain's  rights  are  safe.  I  pledge  you  our 
good  faith. 


140       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

D'YKUJO. 

Prove  it !  Tell  the  British  Minister  pack  his 
trunks !  [MADISON  gestures  protest^  He  is 
Burr's  ally — has  been  at  every  step — from  the  first 
—at  Madam  Todd's  ! 

MADISON. 
We  have  no  proof  ! 

D'YRUJO. 
We  have — proof    enough  !     In   Lady   Merry's 

gossip. 

MADISON. 

[  With  a  smile.']  God  forbid,  sir,  we  hang  the 
peace  of  nations  on  a  woman's  tongue  !  [Soberly.'] 
And  surely  you,  a  seasoned  diplomat,  familiar 
with  this  lady's — eccentricities — can  appreciate 
Mr.  Jefferson's  embarrassments — and  mine. 

D'YRUJO. 

[Assenting,  cordially. ~\  Yours,  I've  every  wish 
to  lighten,  but [  With  finality.]  Sir  An 
thony  gets  his  passports,  or  I  take  mine  !  [70 
PINCKNEY.]  Mr.  Jefferson  can  choose  ! 

[Starts  to  go. 

PINCKNEY. 

[Halting  him;  with  deference.]  Mr.  Madison — 
is  Secretary  of  State. 

D'YRUJO. 

[Recalling  Hamilton's  words,  the  cause  of  the 
duel]  Yes — but  "  Mr.  Burr  is  a  dangerous 
man"! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       141 

DE  VAUX. 

[Announcing."]     Mrs.  Todd  ! 

[D'YKUJO  bows  and  exits  as  DOLLY  enters. 
DOLLY  wears  Quaker  costume  of  white 
lace. 

DOLLY. 

[Rather  to  PINCKNEY.]  Sorry  I'm  so  late,  but 
my  coach  broke  down  in  those  dreadful  roads 
from  Georgetown.  [MADISON  gazes  at  DOLLY, 
obviously  troubled.]  You're  disturbed,  sirs.  What 
is  it  ?  [Looks  after  D'YnuJO. 

MADISON. 

[Flustered.]     Why — why [Helpless. 

PlNCKNEY. 

{^Jumping  in]  'Tis  this  dinner  that  troubles  us. 
The  first  time  foreign  Governments  dine  here. 

DOLLY. 
They'll  feed  well  enough  ! 

MADISON. 

These  Embassies  make  it  an  affair-of -State  !  To 
establish,  to-day,  for  all  time,  the  diplomatic 
etiquette  of  the  White  House. 

PlNCKNEY. 

Who  goes  first,  second,  and  so  on. 
DOLLY. 

But  they  know  Mr.  Jefferson's  views  on  the 
vanities  of  rank  and  title. 


142        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

The  British  Minister  virtually  demands  his  wife 
go  first — on  President's  arm. 

DOLLY. 
Well,  why  not  she  as  well  as  any  other  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

But  Pichon  asks  the  same  for  his  wife ! 
DOLLY. 

[Nodding  toward  President's  room.]  Well,  the 
man  has  two  arms !  He  takes  in  both  ladies. 
[PlNCKNEY,  as  if  accepting  the  solution,  makes  to 
exit:  recalling.']  One  minute,  Beau — before  the 
review.  [Points  to  President's  room.]  Pas  trop 
gai  ?  [Indicates  her  attire  in  general. 

PlNCKNEY. 

Charmante ! 

DOLLY. 

[Adjusting  head-dress,  as  she  glances  in  mirror] 
And  my  coiffure  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

Most  becoming. 

MADISON. 
[Looking  into  space. ~]     Work  of  art ! 

DOLLY. 
And  the  robe  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

Ravissante ! 

MADISON. 
[Same  business.]    Work  of  art ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       143 

DOLLY. 

Thanks  !       President      suggested      something 

"  plain."      And — [tapping     cheek']      my     color  ? 

[PlNCKNEY  blows  kiss  of  admiration. 

MADISON. 

[Still  looking  into  space.]     Work  of  art ! 
DOLLY. 

Rouge !  Not  a  bit !  President  said  I  shouldn't. 
And  I'll  have  color  to  spare  when  Lady  Merry 
gets  at  me  !  [PlNCKNEY  exits  to  President's  room. 
Drawing  nearer.  Rubs  cheek.']  See  !  But  you're 
not  looking  at  me.  [MADISON  nods  "  yes."]  No  ! 
You're  looking  straight  through  me.  And  your 
thoughts  a  thousand  miles  away  !  D'Yrujo  sent 
them  there.  He  left  you  as  I  came  in.  And  he's 

been  saying ? 

MADISON. 

\_Appeasingly.~]  Not  now  !  To-day  you  need 
all  your  wits — and  peace-of-mind. 

DOLLY. 

Hang  my  peace-of-mind  !  There's  vastly  more 
at  strike  than  that !  Else  why  am  I  here — on  this 
occasion  of  State  ?  Why  should  Mr.  Jefferson 
choose  me  before  scores  of  other  women — better 
graced  than  I  am — to  do  the  honors  of  his  com 
pany,  were  it  not  to  give  the  lie  to  calumnies,  and 
proclaim  his  confidence  in  you  ? — 'Tis  no  kindness, 
sir,  to  keep  it  from  me — and  no  use  !  For  I  know 
— from  Sally. 

MADISON. 

[  With  mock  despair.]     Diplomat's  wife ! 


144       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

Before  that,  my  friend  !  And  tells  me  only 
what  she  must  in  fairness — to  you ! — The  talk  in 
the  Embassies 

MADISON. 
[Dismissingly]     Lady  Merry's  chatter  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Insisting.]  And  her  husband's  belief,  shared 
by  his  colleagues,  that  whatever  folly,  or  madness, 
Burr  is  engaged  in,  you  will  shut  your  eyes  to  it ! 

MADISON. 

[Quickly,  and  as  if  suddenly  impelled  by  emo 
tion.]  Would  you  wish  me  to ? 

DOLLY. 
[Interrupting.]     I  beg  of  you 

MADISON. 

[Insisting  /  drawing  nearer]  Would  you  have 
me — shut  my  eyes  ? 

DOLLY. 

If  it  blind  thee  to  honor,  no  !  But  I  wish  him 
only  well. 

MADISON. 
And  I — for  your  sake  ! 

DOLLY. 

Take  no  thought  of  me,  sir ;  nor  of  him ;  nor 
of  any  but  thyself  ! 

MADISON. 
[Seriously]     The  nation,  ma'am  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       145 

DOLLY. 

A  woman  doesn't  think  in  "  nations "  !  Her 
nation,  her  world,  her  universe  is  one  man. 

[Enter  PiNCKNEY/rom  President's  room. 

PlNCKNEY. 

President  begs  Mrs.  Todd's  attendance. 
DOLLY. 

[Turning  to  exit.}     His  study  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

Dining-room — to  place  the  guests.  And  please 
put  me  near  Miss  Ferrar.  [Exit  DOLLY.  PINCK- 
NEY  crosses  to  MADISON.]  There's  a  post — just 
arrived — from  England. 

MADISON. 
{Making  as  if  to  cross.]     I'll  go  at  once. 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Detaining  Mm.]  Might  better  wait,  President 
says,  'til  the  company's  gone. 

MADISON. 
Anything  disturbing  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

He  says  "  no,"  but  he's  called  for  his  fiddle  ! 
[The  guests  gradually  emerge  into  view,  in 
hall  and  corridors. 

MADISON. 

[As  EN  A  r  centers.]  Have  you  asked  Miss 
Ferrar  ? 


146       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 
PlNCKNEY. 

Yes  —  and  —  no  ! 

MADISON. 
Eight  !     You've  no  time  to  lose. 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Crossing  to  EN  A.]     We're  in  luck;  Mrs.  Todd 
will  place  us  at  table. 

ENA. 
I  go  in  with  the  Vice-President,  Angie  says. 

PINCKNEY. 
[Laughing.']    Mr.  Burr's  a  thousand  miles  away  ! 

ENA. 
He  was  with  Sir  Tony  an  hour  since. 

PINCKNEY. 

[Amazed.]     Impossible  ! 


[Insisting.']     But  I  saw  him  ! 

PlNCKNEY. 

You  must  have  mistaken  ! 
ENA. 

No.     They  had    high   words,    because  Tony's 
letters  to  the  king  - 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Breaking  in.]    I've  heard  nothing  you've  said, 
but  I'm  sure  you're  mistaken. 

ENA. 
[Catching  his  meaning.  .]    Oh,  perhaps  I  am  _ 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       J47 


nods  approval.]     Yes  —  of  course  I'm 
mistaken.     I  didn't  see  Mr.  Burr,  since  you  say  so. 

PINCKNEY. 

Thanks  !  You'll  make  an  ideal  wife  for  a  dip 
lomat,  won't  you  ? 

ENA. 

[Smiling.']  I'll  try  my  best  —  my  level  best  — 
though  Angie  will  never  give  consent. 

PlNCKNEY. 

Then  the  only  thing  is  —  not  to  ask  it. 

[The  guests  reenter. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[To  PINCKNEY,  who  approaches  her  as  she 
enters.]  The  stuffed  birds  are  most  exciting,  but 
we'd  like  a  glimpse  of  our  host. 

PlNCKNEY. 

The  President's  engaged,  for  the  moment,  with 
Mrs.  Todd. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[  To  SALLY,  nose  in  air.]  Fancy  !  Kept  wait 
ing  by  your  former  landlady  !  [Seeing  MADAME 
PICHON  and  indicating.  To  SALLY.]  That's  the 
French  Legation  ? 

SOPHIA. 
[Turning  sharply,  bows  assent.]     Oui,  Madame. 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Taken  aback]     Vous  comprenez  Anglais  ? 

SOPHIA. 
[Rather  sharply]     Parfaitement,  Madame. 


148        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

LADY  MERRY. 

Our  countries   have  come  to   blows — but   we 
needn't ! 

SOPHIA. 
[Amiably.]     Not  'til  we're  better  acquainted. 

LADY  MERRY. 

Your  English  quite  good  !     Where'd  you  pick 
it  up  ? 

SOPHIA. 
Philadelphia. 

LADY  MERRY. 

Phila !     Good  heavens — you're  not  Amer 
ican  ? 

SOPHIA. 
Yes. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Oh,  you  poor  child  !     How'd  that  happen  ? 

SOPHIA. 

My  people    "  happened "  over  here  some  hun 
dred  years  ago. 

LADY  MERRY. 

Damme !    I  thought  only  Indians  had  been  here 
that  loner  I 


[LADYMERRY  sweeps  across  stage  to  R.,  join 
ing  SIR  ANTHONY  and  ENA. 

SOPHIA. 

[As  a  parting  shot.']     You  English  were  here 
longer  ! 

[Enter  DoLLY/k>m  President's  room.     The 
audible  chatter  of  the  guests  is  silenced  on 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       149 

her  appearance.  Elaborate  courtesies 
from  all  except  SIR  ANTHONY  and  LADY 
MERRY,  who  low  stiffly.  The  general 
murmur  of  conversation  resumes  as 
DOLLY  moves  briskly  from  group  to  group  ^ 
to  greet  the  company. 

DOLLY. 

[To  VROU  YAN  BERCKEL.]  So  glad  you're 
here.  President  feared  storm  might  detain 
you.  [Admiringly.  Sotto-voce]  And  your  robe ! 
Ausgezeichnet ! 

VROU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
[Beaming.]     So  ? 

DOLLY. 

[To  SOPHIA.]  So  glad  you're  here.  President 
feared  storm  might  detain  you.  [Admiringly.'] 
And  your  robe  !  Paris,  of  course  ! 

SOPHIA. 

[Nodding  "yes"]  And  the  customs  brutes 
made  ma  pay  duties.  Hundred  dollars  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Indicating  SOPHIA'S  extreme  decollete]  And 
for  next  to  nothing  !  [Behind  her  fan]  When 
President  sees  you  he'll  make  'em  refund  it. 

[They  turn  up  stage. 

D'YRUJO. 

[Coming  down  to  PICHON.]  Madame  Pichon 
is  charming ! 

PICHON. 
One  require  something — in  such  a  place !    Ev'ry 


ISO        777^  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

night  I  ask  heaven  what  have  I  done  that  I  must 
live  in  such  a  city  ? 

D'YRUJO. 

[In  FrenchJ]  Courage !  [Sotto-voce.~\  It  won't 
last! 

PICHON. 

[Disgustedly.]  Bah  !  Napoleon  says  "  yes  "  ; 
that  the  Providence  that  takes  care  of  children 
and  blind  folks  takes  care  of  the  United  States ! 

DOLLY. 

[Greeting  the  MERRYS.]  So  glad  you've  ar 
rived  !  President  feared  storm  might  keep  you 
'way.  [To  ENA.]  You  won't  mind,  dear,  but  I 
had  to  place  you  at  table  next  Mr.  Pinckney. 

ENA. 

[  With  furtive  hand-clasp, ,]     Thank  you,  ma'am. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Cattishly.~\  Seems  you've  the  run  of  the  cellar 
here ! 

DOLLY. 
[Apologetic. ,]     I  count  on  your  indulgence  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[  Withfanr-tapJ]  Fal-lal !  You're  accustomed  to 
entertaining !  I've  been  telling  Yrou  Yan  Berckel, 
your  house  in  Philadelphia,  so  well  ordered,  quite 
unlike  a  public  inn.  You  still  take  boarders  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Sweetly.']  Not  since  you,  ma'am  !  You  were 
the  last !  I  couldn't  endure  the  thought  that  oth 
ers  might  disturb  the  memories  of  thy  visit.  [Nods 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       151 

toward  other  roomJ]     Have  you  seen  the  stuffed 
birds  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 

Yes — and  the  portraits.  [Nose  in  air.']  I  pre 
fer  the  birds  ! 

DOLLY. 

Tell  that  to  the  President— you'll  be  friends  at 
once. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Lorgnetting  Washington's  portrait.']  This  is 
the  gentleman  we  dine  with — Mr.  Jefferings  ? 

DOLLY. 

That  is  General  Washington,  ma'am — painted 
by  Gilbert  Stuart. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[With  a  spiteful  laugh.']  Oh,  is  it,  though? 
Still,  they  all  looked  pretty  much  alike,  I've  heard 
our  officers  say. 

DOLLY. 

Perhaps,  at  a  running  glance  ! 
LADY  MERRY. 

[Disconcerted ;  still  lorgnetting.']  This  one 
looks  a  bit  of  a  gentleman. 

DOLLY. 

Quite  a  bit,  ma'am.     Six  foot  three ! 
LADY  MERRY. 

Much  family  ? 

DOLLY. 

No  children  at  all ! 


I $2       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

LADY  MERRY. 

Oh — poor  man !  [Sotto-voce.]  How'd  that 
happen  ? 

DOLLY. 

[  With  feeling J\  We  believe  posterity  left  him 
childless  that  his  country  might  call  him  father ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[As  if  enlightened.]     Oh  !     That's  how  it ! 

Extraordinary  interference  in  one's  family  affairs ! 
[Sweeps  up  stage  to  SIR  ANTHONY. 

SALLY. 

[Advancing  quickly  to  DOLLY  ;  imitating  her.] 
So  glad  you've  arrived.  President  feared  storm 
might  detain  you.  And  your  robe ! 

DOLLY. 

[Sotto-voce.]  Traitor!  [To  D'YRUJO.]  You 
see,  Marquis,  she  has  all  my  State  secrets  ! 

D'YRUJO. 

[  With  meaning.]  She  must  give  you  mine — in 
exchange !  [D'YRUJO  crosses. 

DOLLY. 

[Taking  alarm.]     What  is  it  ? 

SALLY. 
[Sotto-voce.~\     Burr  has  returned ! 

DOLLY. 
[Grasping  SALLY'S  arm.]     No  ! 

SALLY. 
Promise  you'll  not  see  him  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND      153 

DOLLY. 

[  With  forced  gaiety,  as  MADISON  approaches^ 
No — no — this  isn't  the  gown  from  Paris.  Presi 
dent  didn't  wish  me  to  \year  it. 

SALLY. 
Afraid  of  pneumonia  ?     [Indicating  low  cor  sage. 

MADISON. 

Newspapers !  We  must  all  patronize  home  in 
dustries. 

DOLLY. 

[To  SALLY.]  So  I'll  have  it  made  over.  Didn't 
fit,  anyway. 

DE  VAUX. 
\_Announcing.~]     Dinner  is  served  ! 

[General  movement  among  company  ;  and 
the  familiar,  awkward  moment  of  wait 
ing  for  a  couple  to  "  lead  off" 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Behind  fan  to  MERRY.]  See  I  go  first ! 
[Turns  to  SALLY.]  My  husband  takes  you  in. 

SALLY. 
Honored ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
After  President  and  me. 

SALLY. 
Thank  you. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[To  VROIJ  VAN  BERCKEL.]  I'm  famished ! 
What'll  we  get  here  ? 


154       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

YROU  YAN  BERCKEL. 
[Blankly, .]     Dinner. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Barbecue,  I  wager ! 

YROU  VAN  BERCKEL. 
So? 

VAN  BERCKEL. 
[Sharply.]    Yrou  Yan  Ber — 

[He  comes  down. 
YROU  YAN  BERCKEL. 
[Turning  quickly. ~]     Mynheer  ? 

[Crosses  from  LADY  MERRY  to  husband. 

YAN  BERCKEL. 

[Sotto-voce.~\  De  less  you  say  to  det  English 
bullfinch  v'ile  ve  are  here,  de  more  I  von't  say  to 
you  ven  ve  go  von  here. 

YROU  YAN  BERCKEL. 

I  sayt  only  "so." 

YAN  BERCKEL. 
Dot's  too  much  ! 

[Turns,  saunters  up  stage,  still  keeping  an 
eye  on  YROU  YAN  BERCKEL. 

DOLLY. 

[Coming  down.]  Dinner's  announced.  What 
are  we  waiting  for  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 
Our  host ! 

DOLLY. 
Mr.  Jefferson  meets  his  company  at  table. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       155 

LADY  MERRY. 

[  With  forced  gaiety.']  We're  dining  with  the 
President,  not  Mr.  Jeft'erings. 

DOLLY. 

[As  if  to  dismiss  the  question.']  He  makes  no 
ceremony  of  his  office. 

MERRY. 
We  do  of  ours  ! 

PICHON. 
This  dinner  is  a  formality  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

Not  a  pleasure  !  [After  a  nudge  from  ENA.] 
Merely  ! 

DOLLY. 

The  only  formality  here  is  informality.  Mr. 
Jefferson  makes  every  guest  at  his  table  the  equal 
of  every  other. 

MERRY. 
Once  at  his  table,  perhaps.     But  who  goes  first  ? 

DOLLY. 
No  one ! 

PiciiON. 
We  go  pele-mele  f 

DOLLY. 

[Assenting, .]  The  custom  of  the  country,  to 
which  the  President  adheres ;  gentlemen  en-masse 
give  place  to  ladies  en-masse  in  passing  out. 

[She  nods  toward  dining-room. 


156       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MERRY. 

Our  ladies  might  come  at  the  end  of  the — 
masse ! 

DOLLY. 

Our  ladies  must — at  the  English  court. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[  With  rising  temper -.]  But,  if  only  to  avoid  a 
polite  riot,  some  one  goes  first ! 

DOLLY. 

{Nodding  assent  with  a  gesture  toward  door.] 
Whoever  happens  nearest  the  door. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[  With  gesture  of  elbowing.]  And  has  the  sharp 
est  elbows. 

PlCHON. 

Or  the  rudest  manners  ! 

DOLLY. 
But  we're  such  a  small  party  I 

PICHON. 

[  With  suppressed  anger — to  MADISON.]  It  might 
"  happen  "  [indicating  VAN  BERCKEL]  Holland 
go  before — Napoleon  !  [Indicating  himself. 

MERRY. 

Or  a  Charge-d'Affaires  before  a  Minister-Pleni 
potentiary  ! 

D'YRUJO. 
Or  a  mere  Minister  before  a  titled  Ambassador  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND      1 57 

MADISON. 

Mr.  Jefferson  ignores  all  courtly  forms  as 
foreign  to  our  people  and  institutions. 

MERRY. 

We  should  have  been  apprised !  But  Mr.  Jef 
ferson  knows  what  he's  about !  Pretense  of  igno 
rance  only  aggravates  the  offense.  He  was  four 
years  Minister  at  the  brilliant  Court  of  Louis 
XVI — [pointing  to  marble  bust  and  glaring  at 
PICHON,  who  turns  his  back]  when  France  was 
still  a  polite  nation.  I  am  sure  he  learned  there 
the  amenities  of  diplomatic  rank. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[To  DOLLY.]  If  not,  then  Mr.  Maddington, 
his  Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs 

DOLLY. 

[Smiling.']     Foreign  affairs  only,  Lady  Merry  ; 
his  domestic  affairs  Mr.  Jefferson  orders  himself. 
[A  NEGRO  COOK,  in  white  cap  and  apron 
of  his  calling,  appears  at  door  of  dimng- 
room. 

THE  COOK. 

[At  door  ;  announcing.}  Ladies  an'  gent'men ! 
Marsa  Jefferson's  dinnah's  gettin'  cold  ! 

[Exit  COOK.  The  TURKISH  MINISTER, 
throughout  the  turmoil,  sits  composedly 
puffing  the  narghile.  At  sight  of  the 
negro  cook  he  rises  abruptly  and  exits  to 
dining-room,  with  his  attendant.  JEF 
FERSON'S  violin  heard. 


I $8       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Entering  from  President's  room  •  to  DOLLY 
sotto-voce]  He's  in  towering  rage,  his  dinner 
kept  waiting.  Says  they  may  go  as  they  choose, 
but  if  they  don't  go  in  they'll  go  without !  And 
to  tell  them  straight  —  [Turns  to  cross. 

DOLLY. 

[In  alarm]  Lord,  no  !  'Twould  undo  every 
thing.  [Pauses  to  gather  her  wits ;  then  to  the 
others.]  My  dear  friends,  the  President's  first 
solicitude  is  the  satisfaction  of  his  guests,  and  he 
begs  you'll  compose  the  matter  for  yourselves, 
who  goes  first,  second  or  last. 

PICHON. 

[Coming  down]     Admirable  ! 

[Offers  his  arm  to  DOLLY. 

MERRY. 

Reasonable ! 

[Same  business.  D'YRUJO  comes  down. 
All  three  stand  over  DOLLY,  offering 
escort. 

DOLLY. 

[At  sign  of  "  no  "from  MADISON.]  But  I  can't 
go  with  all  Europe ! 

D'YRUJO. 

[Offering  his  arm.]     Spain  goes  first ! 

MERRY. 
[Intervening.]     By  what  right  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       159 

D'YRUJO. 

This  dinner  began  in  the  caravals  of  Columbus, 
built  by  Spanish  gold. 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

[Nodding  assent,  jovially.]     Yich  dey  took  from 
Holland ! 

MERRY. 

[To  D'YRUJO.]     You  forget  the  English  sloop, 
Mayflower 

PICHON. 

[To  MERRY.]     And  you  the  French  war-ships 
at  Yorktown ! 

YAN  BERCKEL. 
Ach  !     On  your  poats  ve'll  nefer  get  dinner ! 

MERRY. 

Pray,  don't  wait  on  me.        [Turns  as  if  to  exit. 
PICHON. 

[Same  business.']     Nor  me  ! 

[SOPHIA  halts  him. 

MADISON. 
[Appealing.]     I  beg  of  you — gentlemen  ! 

PlCHON. 

[Excitedly]     We  are,  to-day,  not  gentlemen — 
governments  ! 

MERRY. 

[To  PICHON.]     There'd   been  one  less,  had  I 
known  you  dine  here  to-day  ! 


160       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

PlCHON. 

{Explosively^}  'Tees  not  I  who  dine  here  to 
day,  but  thirty  meelion  Frenchmen  ! 

{Turns  up  stage. 

VAN  BEKCKEL. 

{To  the  others,  jovially^  Let  us  go  in  before 
dey  do  !  Ye  get  nothing — after  dirty  million 
Frenchmen  !  {Turns  to  follow  the  others. 

MERRY. 

{Recalling  him  •  rebukinglyJ]  Mynheer,  Hol 
land  has  diplomatic  dignities,  small  as  she  is ! 

VAN  BERCKEL. 

[Soberly.']  Und  small  as  she  is,  Holland  is  too 
big  for  such  a  quarrel ! 

{The  Ministers  and  their  ladies  move  up 
stage,  in  a  gradually  closing  group  •  they 
discuss  the  situation  in  a  confused  mur 
mur  /  tones  and  gestures  and  occasional  ex 
clamations — some,  in  foreign,  language — 
evince  their  temper  and  excitement.  They 
approach  door  R.  led  by  the  MERRYS  as 
if  to  exit  •  hut  pause  and  turn  with  in 
dications  of  changed  purpose,  at  sound  of 
JEFFERSON'S  violin.  MADISON  utterly 
disconcerted  /  DOLLY  all  smiles  of  satis 
faction. 

MADISON. 

[Sotto-voce,  to  DOLLY.]  Lord!  We've  set  them 
wrangling  'mong  themselves  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       l6l 

DOLLY. 

{Pleased.  Turning  to  PINCKNEY.]  Tell  the 
President !  [Exit  PINCKNEY. 

MADISON. 
[Starting  toward  them.]     Gentlemen ! 

DOLLY. 
[Holding  him  back.]     No — no — no  ! 

MADISON. 
But  hear  them — Merry  and  Pichon  ! 

DOLLY. 

[Complacently.]  Composing  the  matter — for 
themselves ! 

MADISON. 

[Alarmed.]  But,  dear  lady,  they're  fighting — 
snarling  like 

DOLLY. 
Kilkenny  cats !     Just  what  lie  planned  ! 

[Nods  toward  Presidents  room. 

MADISON. 
This  disturbance  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Correcting, .]  Diversion — he  calls  it.  Diplo 
matic  diversion.  [As  the  wrangling  up  stage  in 
creases.]  Works  to  a  miracle  ! 

MADISON. 

[In  final  alarm,  as  guests  move  to  exit.]  But — 
they're  leaving. 

[Makes  as  if  to  cross  to  President's  room. 


162       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

PlNCKNEY. 

[At  door.~\  Ladies  and  gentlemen !  [All  in 
stantly  quiet.  PINCKNEY  advances  to  c.]  The 
President  awaits  you  at  table.  He  begs  Mrs. 
Todd  show  the  way. 

DOLLY. 

[Crossing  to  LADY  MERRY  ;  with  intention.] 
Shall  we  go  ? 

[Amid  laughter  and  chatter,  and  with 
DOLLY  leading,  all  move  toward  door 
to  dining-room^  excepting  MERRY,  who 
remains  rooted,  down  R. 

MERRY. 

[Calling.]  Angela !  [LADY  MERRY  follows, 
at  some  distance,  the  other  ladies  as  they  advance, 
en-masse,  toward  dining-room.  MERRY,  command- 
ingly]  Lady  Merry  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Turning,  comes  down.]     Yes  ? 

MERRY. 
You're  not  going  in  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Protesting^.]     I'm  hungry ! 

MERRY. 

[In  low  tone,  with  wrath.]     Remain  ! 

[Others  exit,  laughing  and  chatting  ani 
matedly,  into  dining-room. 

DE  YAUX. 

[At  the   door,  looking  into   dining-room,  then 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND        163 

toward  the  MERRY s  in  perplexity  /  after  a  pause.] 
Pardon,  sir. 

MERRY. 
Well? 

DE  VAUX. 
President's  at  table. 

MERRY. 

[  With  a  gesture.]  Close  !  [DE  VAUX  exits,  dos 
ing  door.  MERRY  turns  to  SERVANT  at  door  R.] 
My  carriage  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Snappishly.]     And  wait  for  it  ? 

MERRY. 
All  the  better  to  give  that  savage  his  lesson ! 

LADY  MERRY, 

[Explosively]  Yes  !  That  was  the  last  straw  ! 
His  Majesty  preceded  by — Dolly  Todd ! 

MERRY. 
En-masse,  and  pele-mele ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
Very  free  with  their  nasty  French  ! 

MERRY. 

They'll  pay  for  it !  I'll  smash  their  tuppeny 
Republic  !  All  Europe  saw  this  insult. 

LADY  MERRY. 

And  shared  it  with  us  ! 


1 64      THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MEERY. 

{Gesture  of  protest.]  England  shares  nothing 
with  any  one.  This  slight  was  aimed  at  us  alone. 
And  yet  you'd  have  gone  in ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Shrilly.'}  Hell's  bales  !  Nothing  since  break 
fast  but  a  cup  of  chocolate !  [  Walks  about  nerv 
ously.]  Then  bumped  and  jolted  'til  my  bones 
cracked,  to  get  here.  And  now,  no  dinner  ! 

\_Plumps  into  chair. 

MERRY. 
There  are  more  important  things  than  dinner ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
Not  when  you  haven't  got  it ! 

MERRY. 
Would  His  Majesty  dine  after  such ? 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Jumping  in.~\  Bah  !  Take  more  than  that  to 
keep  King  George  from  his  dinner.  I've  seen 
him  eat !  [Putts  bell-cord.]  Where's  that  coach  ? 
Come,  we'll  walk. 

MERRY. 
Those  streets — we'd  drown  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

We  can't  stop  here — without  some  reason  or 
excuse ! 

MERRY. 
We'll  say  you've  fainted. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       165 

LADY  MERKY. 
So  I  shall — from  hunger  ! 

MERKY. 
Then  do !  [Gestures,  slightly,  as  of  a  fall. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Pretty  figure  I'd  cut ! 

MERRY. 
Figure  or  no ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
Hell's  bales !     I'm  in  hoops,  man  ! 

[  Gesture  as  of  upturning  hoops. 

MERRY. 

[Sputtering.']  Well — well — then — you've  taken 
cold — the  rain — you've  taken  cold  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
Like  enough  !  [Shudders. 

MERRY. 

[Taking  snuff.']  Then  be  good  enough  to 
sneeze  !  [LADY  MERRY  sneezes  faintly. ,]  Near 
the  door — so  they'll  hear.  [Half  opens  door. 
LADY  MERRY  sneezes  slightly.  MERRY,  angrily  J\ 
I  said  sneeze,  ma'am — not  sniffle !  [He  sneezes 
vociferously.']  That  sort ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Hands  on  hips.~\  I  won't  answer  for  my  stays, 
but  I'll  do  my  best  for  you. 

MERRY. 
[In  a  rage.]     For  me !     I   don't  ask  you  to 


1 66   THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

sneeze  for  me,  madam  !     You're  sneezing  for  His 

Majesty  !  {Takes pinch  of  snuff. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[After  sneezing  vigorously.]  There  ! — for  King 
George  ! 

MERRY. 
God  save  him ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

And  my  stays  !  [As  if  discovering  broken  stays] 
There !  I  knew  it !  You  might  have  anticipated 
this. 

MERRY. 

Anticipate — this  stroke  of  luck !  That  gives  me 
free  hand  with  Burr  !  England  wants  merely  ex 
cuse  for  war !  This  Mrs.  Todd  provides  a  cause. 

LADY  MERRY. 
Clever  man ! 

[Sneezes.  Enter  DE  YAUX,  followed  by 
FOOTMAN  with  a  silver  tray,  on  which 
are  two  silver  goblets,  a  bottle  of  cham 
pagne,  a  dish  of  cakes. 

DE  YAUX. 
President's  compliments ! 

[FOOTMAN  pours  wine,  exits. 

MERRY. 
We're  taking  leave,  say  to  Miss  Ferrar. 

[DE  YAUX  bows  and  exits. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[After  sniffing  the  wine.']     Damme  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       167 

MERRY. 
[In  alarm.']     What  is  it  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 

Champagne !   The  beggars  drinking  champagne ! 

[Offers  the  goblet. 

MERRY. 

[Refusing.']  I'd  choke  first !  [Picks  up  bottle 
and  looks  at  label.]  Cuvee '99— two  guineas  the 
bottle!  That's  Mr.  Jefferson's  simplicity — the 
humbug  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Sipping  the  wine.]  No  humbug  about  his 
champagne !  I've  had  worse  at  St.  James'  Pal 
ace.  Tony,  I  wonder  if  we're  doing  these  people 
injustice  ? 

MERRY. 
[Indignant ;  very  quickly. ~]     What  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 

Well,  they  can't  be  such  lumpkins  with  this  in 
their  cellars.  [Starts  to  fill  glass. 

MERRY. 

[Thunderingly.]  Angela  !  [She puts  down  hot- 
tie.']  How  can  you  take  hospitality  of  these  hate 
ful  people  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

I  never  hate  people  so  much  I  can't  drink  their 
champagne !  [Lifts  glass. 

MERRY. 
[Taking  glass.]     I  forbid  ! 


1 68       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Rising '.]     Then  let's  go  !      [They  move  to  exit. 

SERVANT. 

[At  door,  R.]  Your  coach  is  not  at  hand,  sir ; — 
but  if  you'll  have  the  Vice-President's  — 

MERRY. 
Mr.  Burr ! 

SERVANT. 
Just  entered,  sir,  and  his  carriage  at  your  service ! 

[Exit. 

DOLLY. 
[Entering. ~]    Can't  we  persuade  you  take  dinner  ? 

MERRY. 
Lady  Merry's  taken  an  ague. 

[LADY  MERRY  sneezes. 

DOLLY. 

So  we  heard  !  And  it's  thrown  a  chill  on  the 
entire  party.  Before  you  go,  then — [raising  glass} 
with  the  President. 

MERRY. 

[Declining  curtly. ,]     Thank  you 

DOLLY. 

One  glass — to  your  King ! 

[MERRY  is  disconcerted  for  an  instant ; 
starts  to  drink  the  toast,  which  is  halted 
by  SERVANT  at  door. 

SERVANT. 
[Announcing. .]     Mr.  Burr !  [BuRR  enters. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       169 

LADY  MERRY. 
[  With  meaning.^     To  yours,  ma'am. 

[Sweep*  across  the  room  to  exit. 

BURR. 
You're  the  first  to  go  ? 

LADY  MERRY. 

Yes— since  we  didn't  go  first ! 

BURR. 

[Laughing."]     I    see !     \Sotto-voce  to  MERRY.] 
You  have  sacrificed  an  empire  for  a  ceremony  ! 

DOLLY. 

[ To  MERRY.]     Mr.  Madison  will  join  you  in  the 
hall  with  Miss  Ferrar. 

MERRY. 
[  With  deep  bow.]  Mrs.  Todd  - 

[SIR  ANTHONY  and  LADY  MERRY  exit. 
Doors  close  quickly. 

BURR. 
Thank  heaven,  still  Mrs.  Todd  . 

\Kis8es  her  hand.,  then  retains  it.     They  gaze 
at  each  other  in  silence. 

DOLLY. 
[Drawing  hand  away.]  Why  are  you  here  ? 

BURR. 
[As  if  a  matter  of  course.]  For  my  answer ! 

DOLLY. 
You're  in  danger,  sir — gravest  danger  ! 


1 70       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 

[Smilingly. ~]  Madison  ?  Is  that  my  danger  ? 
In  the  wilds,  where  I've  been,  news  is  slow  and 
uncertain.  Somewhere  I  heard,  vaguely — you 
were  to  marry.  I  turned  back — rode  night  and 
day — to  make  sure  it  isn't  true — though  I  never 
for  a  moment  doubted  you'd  keep  your  word. 

DOLLY. 

{After  paused}  I  told  you,  come  for  your 
answer  after  you'd  met  Hamilton — and,  Ronnie, 
you  gave  me  your  word 

BURR. 

[Quickly,  in  half -whisper.']  And  meant  to  keep 
it !  What — happened — was  accident.  [DOLLY 
indicates  gratification.']  Hamilton's  half-step  for 
ward — an  untrue  bullet — some  fiendish  mischance  ! 
You  must  have  known. 

DOLLY. 

[Rather  exultant.]  Yes  !  I  knew  you  wouldn't 
fail  that  vow — willingly — unless  blind  with  rage 
and  hate 

BURR. 

[Quietly. ~]  There  was  none  !  Nor  any  thought 
—but  you  !  I  saw  before  me — only  you — waiting 
my  return.  And  when — that  happened,  the  earth 
fell  from  under  me.  Courage  left  me — courage  to 
face  you  !  My  wits  failed  me. 

DOLLY. 

Yes,  or  you'd  never  have  gone  on  that  madman's 
errand  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       \Jl 

BURR. 

My  one  chance  !  A  stroke  quick  and  desperate 
— to  win — out  there — a  new  world — where  I've 
come  to  take  you  ! 

DOLLY. 
But,  surely,  you  know  what  they're  saying  ? 

BURR. 
{Derisively    and    laughingly^-     That    I    plan 

treason,  yes [Angrily^     And  Madison,  of 

course 

DOLLY. 

{Breaking  in.']  Not  one  word  has  he  told  me 
of  what  these  Embassies  ring  with. 

BURR. 

But — in  my  absence — under  clouds  of  distrust 
and  calumny — he's  tried — as  he  vowed  he  would  ! 
[DoLLY  gestures  protest]  Oh,  no  blame  to  him. 
— All's  fair  in And  he'd  be  more  than  hu 
man  to  refuse  his  advantage. 

DOLLY. 

You  wrong  him — and  honor  me  too  much  ! 
Mr.  Madison  has  avoided  me  in  your  absence. 
He's  forgotten  his  vow — save  only  at  first — after 
the  duel — when  he  quick  offered  his  name  as 
shield  against  gossip  that  flew  thick  and  fast ! 

BURR. 

{Eagerly '.]     And  even  so,  you  refused  ? 

DOLLY. 
What  else — in  honor — to  him  and  you  ? 


1/2        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 

No  !  You  wouldn't  marry  for  protection,  and, 

thro'  all,  keep  me  here [Hand  on  heart. 

DOLLY. 

[As  if  resisting  the  old  fascination  J]  You  will 
not  put  such  thoughts  into  my  head  - 

BURR. 

[Insisting.]  The  truth  only  !.  You'd  be  the 
unhappiest  of  women. 

DOLLY. 

[Hands  over  ears.]     I'll  not  listen.     I'll  not 

BURR. 

[Drawing  nearer. ]  You  can't  shut  out  the  truth  ! 
You  belong  with  me.  Your  every  heart-beat  tells 
you  so — now  I'm  by  you  ! 

[Seizes  her  hand.     Enter  MADISON  from 
hall-door  R. 

MADISON. 

[Startled  on  seeing  BURR.]  Burr !  [Come* 
down.]  We  thought  you  in  the  South  !  You've 
come,  pray  God,  to  set  yourself  right  with  the 
President ! 

BURR. 

First  of  all,  with  you,  sir,  whose  rare  chivalry 
'disdained  advantage — that  I  couldn't  have  re 
sisted — in  rivalry  such  as  ours.  [A  slight  pause.] 
I  once  pledged  you  my  eternal  gratitude.  But 
when  put  to  the  test  of  my  life's  happiness  'gainst 
yours,  love  ruled.  And  I  took  from  her  hand— 
and  destroyed — a  message  that  told  you  "  yes." 

[MADISON  turns  eagerly  to  DOLLY. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       1/3 

DOLLY. 

[To  BURK.]  Is  that  the  heart  you  saw  beneath 
my  Quaker  kerchief  ?  You  who  understand — a 
woman — best  of  all !  {To  both.]  Come—happen 
what  may — there  must  be  always,  'twixt  me  and 
you  two  men,  only  faith  complete — and  candor. 
[To  MADISON.]  What  I  wrote  thee,  sir,  that 
night  he  went  to  meet  Hamilton  was  "  no "  ! 
[BuRR  startled.]  That  was  the  message  he  took 
from  my  hand,  as  he  went  to  face  death — because 
of  me.  And  I'm  sure  you  divined  it,  sir. 

MADISON. 

Yes.  [Indicated,  rather  than  spoken.  Rather 
whimsical  J]  I  knew — he'd  lind  a  way — somehow 
— in  that  moment  of  his  peril. 

BURR. 

[Approaching  DOLLY.]  And-now — dare  I  hope 
that,  now  I  stand  in  greater  peril,  you  will  answer 

him 

MADISON. 

[Intervening  ;  with  fire.]  No  !  I'll  not  take 
her  answer  now  !  I'll  not  risk  all  my  life's  hope 
in  the  balance  with  you — at  this  moment — when 
pity — so  akin  to  love,  may  turn  the  scale  against 
me.  And  you'd  not  have  me  ! 

BURR. 

[To  DOLLY  ;  with  gesture  of  appealJ]  If  pity 
alone  will  turn  the  scale  to  me,  I'll  not  forego  it. 

MADISON. 
And  let  her  share  the  storm  that  to-morrow  will 


174        THE  FIRST  LADY  OP"  THE  LAND 

crash  about  you  ?  Your  arrest  is  certain.  [BuRR 
raises  hand  in  protest.]  Innocent  or  guilty,  you 
must  confront  a  tempest  that  may  overwhelm  you. 

DOLLY. 

[To  MADISON.]  And  you  no  less,  sir.  [BURR 
is  startled.  To  BURR.]  Malice  doesn't  spare  his 
name  in  all  this !  Whatever  you  plan — they 
say,  you've  nothing  to  fear  from  the  State 
Department !  That  even— disloyalty— Mr.  Madi 
son  will  wink  at — because  of  me ! 

BURR. 

Who  dares ? 

MADISON. 
Your  ally — Merry — and  all  these  foreigners. 

BURR. 

A  word  from  me  will  show  them  their  blunder — 
[ringing]  and  the  President,  too ! 

MADISON. 
[Intervening.]     Later — to-morrow  ! 

BURR. 

Now,  at  once!  He  must  silence  these  cal 
umnies.  Prove  to  these  foreigners,  in  the  most 
decisive  way  possible,  how  far  he  discredits  their 
inventions.  [DE  YAUX  appears  at  door.]  An 
nounce  the  Yice-President.  [DE  YAUX  exits. 
MADISON  is  obviously  troubled!}  'Tis  known  that 
I  am  in  Washington.  Failure  to  show  myself 
here  to-night  would  be  woefully  misconstrued. 
[To  DOLLY.]  My  arm,  ma'am. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       I?5 

DOLLY., 
[To  MADISON.]     And  yours. 

[They  'move  to  door  j  DE  YAUX  confronts 
them. 

DE  YAUX. 

The  President  regrets  there's  no  place  at  table 
for  Mr.  Burr. 

{Exit  DE  YAUX.     A  brief  but  tense  pause. 

MADISON. 

[To  BURR.]  I  should  have  warned  you — I 
might  have  known  — 

DOLLY. 

[jSetween  tears  and  anger. ]  That  this  could 
happen — here  !  [To  BURR.]  And  to  you  ! 

BURR. 

[  With  characteristic  levity.]  And  by  only  one 
vote! 

DOLLY. 

There's  some  mistake  !  He  would  not  proclaim 
you — unheard,  before  all  that  world  ! 

BURR. 

[Quietly.']  That  I  don't  mind.  [With  vehe 
mence^  But  to  humiliate  me — in  this  fashion — 
before  you !  [Swings  to  entrance ;  throws  open 
the  doors;  bows,  calls  off]  Messieurs  et  Mes- 
dames  !  [They  come  on :  D'YRUJO  well  in  front 
of  the  others.  Some  remain  in  entrance.]  My 
profound  apologies  for  this  role  of  spectre  at  the 
banquet !  Hospitality  is  Mr.  Jefferson's  second 
religion.  His  table  is  his  shrine,  and  I'd  rather 


176       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

have  disturbed  his  devotions  than  his  dinner-party. 
But  the  Second  Office  of  the  Nation  [indicating 
himself]  cannot  forego  this  opportunity — the  last, 
doubtless,  as  well  as  the  first,  in  this  house,  to 
greet  the  Powers  of  Europe.  And  to  beg  you 
convey  to  your  Sovereigns  Colonel  Burr's  word- 
of-honor  that  his  adventure  in  the  South  had  no 
thought  to  take  for  himself  one  jot  of  his  own 
country,  but  merely  an  empire  of  theirs  !  [Bows 
to  D'YRUJO.]  I  shall  be  summoned,  presently, 
to  clear  my  name  of  the  taint  of  treason.  Arid 
though  I  marshal  a  myriad  proofs  of  loyalty,  I 
can  conceive  none  so  satisfying  to  myself,  and 
those  who  know  me,  as  this — my  return  to  Wash 
ington — for  but  one  purpose — not  to  defy  my 
judges,  nor  cajole  my  foes,  nor  embarrass  Mr. 
Jefferson,  but  only  to*  implore  this  lady  [lending 
knee  to  DOLLY]  to  become  my  wife.  Would  I,  I 
appeal  to  you,  could  I,  or  any  man,  ask  so  rare  a 
creature  to  share  a  traitor's  name?  [Quietly.'] 
For  this  mad  intrusion  on  your  gayeties — forgive 
me — and — good-night!  [Boies profoundly.  Exit 


CURTAIN 


THE  FOUKTH  ACT 

SCENE. — The  library  at  SECRETARY  MADISON'S. 

At  the  back,  double  doors  lead  to  music-room. 
At  the  right,  a  door  opens  into  the  hall,  where 
is  seen  the  newel-post  of  •  descending  stairs. 
Below  the  door  is  a  French  window  heavily 
curtained.  Mantel,  with  fireplace,  at  left  of 

«/  JL  e/  i/ 

room  scene.  Door  above,  to  MADISON'S  study. 
The  woodwork  and  bookcases  are  of  dark 
fumed  oak  •  the  hangings  of  deep  violet  or 
purple.  The  furniture-coverings  of  violet  or 
purple,  but  not  of  same  shade  as  hangings  y 
the  frames  of  dull-tarnished  gold.  The  wall- 
pictures  are  illuminant  of  the  period.  Con 
spicuous  on  the  walls  are  parchment  copies  of 
portions  of  the  Federal  Constitution,  and  of 
the  Magna  Charta.  On  a  chair,  in  corner,  a 
banjo. 

Cries  of  "  Extra  !  "  "  Extra  !  "  heard  off,  as  from 
street,  at  rise  of  curtain  and  for  some  seconds 
before.  MADISON,  at  desk,  is  reading  letters 
with  deep  concern.  He  pauses  from  reading 
now  and  then,  and  listens  as  ^f  to  catch  the 
street-cries. 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door.]     Mr.  Pinckney ! 

[PiNCKNEY  enters. 
177 


178       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

[To  PINCKNEY,  indicating  street-cries.]  What 
are  they  crying  in  the  streets  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

It's  an  issue-extraordinary  of  the  National  Ga 
zette.  They  print  rumor  that  the  Court  at  Rich 
mond  has  refused  to  impeach  Mr.  Burr  for  treason. 

•  MADISON. 

[Incredulous^  President  would  have  first 
news ! 

PlNCKNEY. 

He  suspects  a  trick. — There's  a  British  ship  in 
the  river,  the  same  that  brought  those  letters. 
[Points  to  letters  in  MADISON'S  hand.]  And  this 
rumor  may  give  Burr  time  to  go  aboard  and  flee 
the  country. 

MADISON. 

If  he  only  would  !  Would  save  us  no  end  of 
trouble.  [Rises.]  Pinckney,  we  have  no  proof  of 
treason — convincing  proof ! 

PINCKNEY. 
President  is  convinced — by  all  the  circumstance. 

MADISON. 

Yes — but  no  proof  of  such  overt  act  of  treason 
as  the  Constitution  means. 

PINCKNEY. 

[Deferentially.]  You,  of  course,  would  know, 
sir. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

{Rather  to  himself.']  Yes — that,  I'm  sure,  I 
wrote  quite  clear. 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Pointing  to  letters.]  But  that  he  contemplated 
treason  — 

MADISON. 

[Interrupting  ;  nodding  assent]  That  appears 
certain  from  these  letters  of  Merry  to  the  King. 
And  with  the  country  so  bitter  toward  England, 
they  may  count  heavy  against  Burr. 

PlNCKNEY. 

They  will  end  him  [gesture  of  hangman's 
noose],  President  says.  And  none  too  quickly  ! 

MADISON. 

There  I'm  not  with  him  !  For  the  first  time  in 
life !  A  nation — scarcely  begun — to  be  hanging 
the  Second  Office — a  popular  idol — while  Europe 
looks  on  and  chuckles — bad  business  !  And  I  don't 
like  it !  One,  of  course,  shouldn't  look  a  gift-horse 
in  the  mouth  ;  but  this  animal  [indicating  letters], 
I  believe,  is  sent  to  bite  our  heads  off !  Or  kick 
up  trouble  of  some  sort — like  the  horse  the  Greeks 
gave  to  Troy !  When  England  turns  kind  to 
America [Shakes  his  head  as  if  distrustful. 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Persuadmgly.]  Politics  makes  strange  bed 
fellows. 

MADISON. 
[  Unconvinced.]     Yes — but  I  can't  imagine  John 


180       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

Bull    and    Thomas    Jefferson  in  the  same 

{Starts  to  replace  letters  in  a  portfolio^     Return 
them  to  the  President. 

PlNCKNEY. 

They  are  to  remain  with  you,  sir.     President 
thinks  best. 

MADISON. 
[Troubled.']     Best— for  whom  ? 

PlHCKNEY. 

He  leaves  that  to  your  discretion — absolutely. 
MADISON. 

[After  pause,    and  dubiously^     I   realize   the 
honor — and  responsibility. 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door,  announcing. ,]     The  Vice-President. 
BURR. 

[Entering  •  hesitating  at   threshold.]     Are  you 
"  at  home  "  ? 

MADISON. 
Why,  of  course ! 

BURR. 

[Coming   down.]     The  servant  wasn't  sure. — 
And  over  the  way  I  couldn't  see  the  President. 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Half  apologetic.]     He's  engaged  with  an  at 
tache  of  the  British  Legation. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       l8l 

BUKR. 

I  went  only  because  of  this  street  rumor.  I 
knew  he'd  be  torn  with  anxiety,  and  flew  to  reas 
sure  him,  at  first  hand,  that  I  have  been  impeached 
—for  treason. 

MADISON. 
[Amazed.']     We've  no  word  ! 

BURR. 

I  had  ;  two  hours  since !  Your  courier  rides  bad 
horses.  [To  PINCKNEY.]  Will  you  send  word 
to  the  President  ?  Because  he'll  have  no  peace 
till  he  sees  me  hanged  ! 

PlNCKNEY. 

You  wrong  him,  sir  !  At  the  worst,  I  know  Mr. 
Jefferson  would  never  see  a  Yice-President— 
hanged ! 

BURR. 

[  With  a  smile.']     Shot,  instead — eh  ? 

PlNCKNEY. 

[Bowing  deeply. ~\  With  all  ceremony  due  your 
high  office. 

BURR. 

[Equally polite.]  My  apologies  to  Mr.  Jefferson 
—I  didn't  give  him  credit  for  such  delicacy. 

[PiNCKNEY  starts  to  exit  R. 

MADISON. 
From  my  study — you  can  send  word. 

[PiNCKNEY  bows.     Exit  ~by  door  L. 

BURR. 
What  a  sin  !  [Sits  at  table. 


1 82        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 
Sin? 

BURR. 

Worse  than  sin,  a  blunder !  To  stop  me — by 
this  trumped-up  charge — when  he  knows  that  out 
there  they  wait 

MADISON. 

[Interrupting;  with  deep  feeling  J\  Tell  me,  in 
sworn  confidence  between  us  two  and  the  Almighty, 
what  in  hell  did  you  have  in  mind — out  there  ? 

BURR. 

[Matter-of-fact  tone.]  Mexico !  To  take  Mexico 
from  Spain. 

MADISON. 
And  the  Western  States  from  us  ? 

BURR. 

[Laughing.]     Surely,  you  don't  believe 

MADISON. 

[Insisting.']  Yes — or — no  !  And  as  you  an 
swer,  I  must  answer — to  the  nation — and  my 
conscience.  Did  you  mean  for  the  West  to  leave 
the  Union  ? 

BURR. 

Damn  it,  man,  no  State  can  leave  the  Union. 
The  United  States  is  a  nation,  not  a  confederacy. 
[Offers  snuff -box.]  You  gentlemen  of  the  South 
never  seem  to  realize  that. 

MADISON. 

[Suspecting  evasion.']  Burr — you  haven't  an 
swered  me. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       183 

BURR. 

[After  slight  pause.]  Question  Harry  Clay,  or 
Randolph,  or  Andrew  Jackson — my  guides  and 
confidants  at  every  step  in  this  venture.  Would 
they  point  a  way  to  treason  ? 

MADISON. 
President  says  you  fooled  them. 

BURR. 

What !  All  three  of  them  ?  What  the  devil 
does  he  think  I  am  ? 

MADISON. 
That's  just  what  he  thinks  you  are— the  devil. 

BURR. 

But  no  one  ever  named  me  fool !  And  I'm  not 
choosing  to  face  a  file  of  soldiers,  blindfold,  with 
Tom  Jefferson  so  eager  to  give  the  signal ! 

[In  pantomime,  drops  handkerchief. 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door ;  back.]  Mrs.  Todd,  and  some  com 
pany,  sir — in  the  music-room. 

MADISON. 

Beg  Mrs.  Todd  step  here.  [JENNINGS  exits.] 
I'd  forgot  for  the  moment.  I've  asked  them  in 
for  a  little  music,  and,  maybe,  a  reel. 

[Enter  DOLLY,  from  door,  back.  She  has  a 
small  newspaper-bulletin,  with  conspicu 
ous  head-line :  "  Extraordinary" 

DOLLY. 

[Startled  on  seeing  BURR.]     You've  brought  the 


1 84       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

good  news !     [Hands  bulletin   to  MADISON.]     I 
hoped  to  be  the  first. 

BURR. 

That  bulletin  isn't  quite  accurate. 
DOLLY. 

{Looking  from  one  to  other. ~]     You  mean ? 

MADISON. 
Colonel  Burr's  had  later  news,  and  not  so  good. 

DOLLY. 

[Huskily.']  Oh — I'm  so  sorry  !  {Eagerly -.] 
But  are  you  sure  ? 

BURR. 
Quite. 

DOLLY. 

As  we  came  by  your  house  there  were  throngs 
cheering  and  calling  for  you.  [To  MADISON,  and 
nodding  toward  music-room.]  We'll  turn  away, 
of  course. 

BURR. 
Why  ?    Quite  informal,  isn't  it  ? 

DOLLY. 
But  music  and  dancing — at  such  a  time ! — They'll 

understand [Turns  to  go. 

MADISON. 

No — no — couldn't  happen  better  !  There  must 
be  no  sign  of  panic,  or  alarm— anywhere  in  the 
government.  Contrary — bravest  show  possible. 
At  least  till  we  know  for  certain — I'll  put  them  at 
ease.  [Exits  to  music-room. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND        185 

DOLLY. 
I  was  praying  it  was  true — this  rumor. 

BURR. 

'Twill  come  to  the  same,  in  the  end.  'Til  then, 
let  nothing  kill  your  faith  in  me,  I  entreat  you  ! 
They  may  rake  the  country  over — heavens  above 
and  the  sea  beneath — and  not  one  scintilla  of 
treason,  in  what  I've  done,  or  spoke,  or  written. 

DOLLY. 

Then  the  devil  take  the  Englishman  !  He's 
done  for  you.  Writ  enough  to  hang  you  twice 
over  !  'And  they  have  all  of  it !  Every  line  to 
his  government,  now  in  Jefferson's  hands.  The 
day  you  returned  they  reached  him,  while  his 
guests  were  assembling  for  dinner.  That's  why 
he  gave  Merry  an  excuse  to  quarrel,  and  go. 
After  your  avowal  to  the  company — your  strange 
avowal  of  loyalty,  he  bade  me  remain,  and  ques 
tioned  me — blunt — as  an  old  friend  might.  Then 
read  from  Merry's  letters  to  persuade  me.  I  im 
plored  his  sanction  to  tell  you. 

BURR. 

f  With  a  twinkle.]     He  agreed,  of  course ! 

DOLLY. 

[Gesture  of  "  ?w>."]  'T would  warn  you,  he  said, 
to  flee  the  country. 

BUKR. 

But  he  let  you  tell  me  ? 


1 86       THE  FIRST  £ADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[Quickly.]  I  vowed  you  wouldn't,  even  if  it 
were  possible,  watched,  as  you  are,  every  moment. 

BURR. 

[Eagerly.']     And  to  that — he  replied  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Quickly.]  Nothing!  Except  to  remark  the 
twinkling  lights  of  a  British  ship,  in  the  river,  be 
low  the  White  House. 

BURR. 

[  With  knowing  smile]    The  fox ! 
DOLLY. 

But  I  wouldn't  take  the  hint.  I  wanted  his 
leave — I  insisted — definite  leave — to  put  you  on 
guard.  Then  he  roared:  "  No  !  "  "  No  !  "  For 
when  'twas  known,  as  surely  would  be,  that  you'd 
fled  arrest,  thro'  word  from  me,  the  blame,  he  said, 
would  fall  on  Mr.  Madison.  'Gainst  that  argu 
ment  I  could  offer  nothing — except  tears.  [Touches 
her  eyes.  Lapses  into  brogue]  Whereat  he  lost 
patience  completely.  Swore  all  women  were  wax 
in  the  hands  of  rogues ;  that  every  drop  of  ink 
from  Merry's  quill  he'll  use  for  a  gun- wad  ;  that  I 
might  tell  you  straight — if  I  chose — and  he'd 
double  the  watch  on  you  ! 

BURR. 

[Laughing]  No  need  !  I've  already  assured 
him.  [ Tenderly]  But  such  proof  of  your  devo 
tion — to  a  friend — 'gainst  every  counsel  of  pru 
dence  and  wisdom —  'tis  worth  a  charge  of  treason  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       187 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door.]     The  British  Minister  ! 
DOLLY. 

Apprise  Mr.  Madison. 

[Nods  toward  music-room.  JENNINGS 
makes  to  cross. 

BURR. 

I'll  have  word,  first,  with  Sir  Anthony. 

[Makes  to  exit  R. 

JENNINGS. 

He's  brought  a  lady,  sir. 

[Exit  JENNINGS  to  music-room.  Enter  SIR 
ANTHONY. 

DOLLY. 
[Cordially.]     Lady  Merry's  with  you  ? 

MERRY. 

No,  she's  not  yet  rid  of  her  ague. 

DOLLY. 

[  With  show  of  sympathy.']  Poor  dear  !  Still 
sneezing  ? 

[Enter  MADISON.  Advances  with  out 
stretched  hand  to  welcome  MERRY.  JEN 
NINGS  follows,  crosses  to  R. 

MERRY. 

[Freezingly.~]  My  visit  is  purely  official.  Miss 
Ferrar  begged  to  attend  me,  through  mistrust  of 
my  temper.  She  waits  below. 


1 88       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE     LAND 

DOLLY. 

[To  JENNINGS.]  Show  Miss  Ferrar  to  the 
music-room.  [To  MERRY.]  There's  a  small  com 
pany  to-night.  [Exits  to  music-room. 

MERRY. 

[To  MADISON.]  Your  Chief  summoned  me, 
urgent,  a  while  ago,  for  conference.  I  sent  to  ask 
the  purpose  of  the — pow-wow — but  he  refers  me 
to  you.  [Pompously.]  Declines  to  treat  with  my 
attache. 

MADISON. 
If  the  matter  be  urgent,  do  you  wonder,  sir  ? 

MERRY. 

[Angrily.']  I  wonder  more  that  he  expects  me 
ever  set  foot  in  his — wigwam — after  the  day  I 
went  to  dine — and  didn't ! 

MADISON. 
He  may  wish  to  explain 


MERRY. 

He  can't  explain.  He  has  in  mind,  I  presume, 
an  apology,  which  he  may  communicate  through 
the  medium  of  the  State  Department. 

MADISON. 
I'll  advise  his  secretary.     He's  in  the  house. 

\Exits  to  study. 
BURR. 

[Lightly.']  You  exaggerate,  I'm  sure,  the  im 
portance  of  this  summons.  Mr.  Jefferson  has  in 
mind  nothing  more  serious  than  [tensely]  your 
notes  to  the  King,  regarding  me. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       189 

MERRY. 
[Staggered.]     W-what ! 

BURR. 
They  have  copies. 

MERRY. 

Impossible  !  I  kept  no  copies.  I  wouldn't  trust 
them  about  me — with  his  spies  everywhere. 

BURR. 
Then  how'd  they  come  by  your  dispatches  ? 

MERRY. 

[Excitedly]  Stole  them,  of  course.  That's  why 
we've  had  no  reply.  They  never  reached  the 
King. 

BURR. 

[Incredulous.]    Stole  them — from  your  courier? 

MERRY. 
From  the  post.     I  sent  them  by  post. 

BURR. 

[Amazed.]  You — entrusted — such — communi 
cations  to  the  post  ? 

MERRY. 

A  Minister's  letters  are  sacred,  in  any  civilized 
country.  And  could  I,  for  a  moment,  think  -  -  ? 

BURR. 

[Interrupting;  quietly]  No,  you  couldn't — 
think  anything — [bitingly]  more  vital  than  a  point 
of  dinner  etiquette  !  [Crosses,  threateningly]  Of 
all  bunglers,  you  are 


190       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MERRY. 

[Drawing  up  to  full  height  J]  His  Majesty's 
Minister ! 

BURR, 

[Recovering  his  calm.]  Thank  you  for  remind 
ing  me.  I  was  about  to  lose  my  temper,  and 
descend  to  violent  speech.  [  With  quavering  voice. ,] 
But  the  provocation  !  Think  of  it !  An  Empire 
inviting  to  enter — advancing  to  greet  me.  My 
position,  fortune,  friends,  life,  even — all  staked, 
and  lost — for  a  trifle — unguarded  letters — an  im 
prudence,  damn  it ! — that  would  shame  a  school 
girl.  Why,  sir,  had  you  planned  to  destroy  me, 
cunningly,  in  cold  blood,  I'd  bear  it  with  more 
complaisance  than  such  superhuman  stupidity ! 

[A  pause. 
MERRY. 

Less  stupid  than  you  think  for!  [Crosses  to 
door  of  study.  Calls.]  Mr.  Madison !  [Comes 
down.]  Diplomacy  always  anticipates  such  emer 
gencies.  [Enter  MADISON.]  I  demand  audience 
with  your  Chief. 

MADISON. 
Certainly.     I'll  arrange,  for  to-morrow. 

MERRY. 

To-night!  Now!  I  want — from  his  hands — 
all  my  correspondence  that  relates  to  Mr.  Burr. 

MADISON. 
To  what  end  ? 

MERRY. 
That  is  for  me  to  determine. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       IQI 

MADISON. 

[AppeasinglyJ]  We'd  prefer  to  keep  this  a 
family  quarrel 

MERRY. 

[With  touch  of  impudence^  You  doubtless 
would,  sir !  But  my  king's  interests  compel  me 
to  disregard  your  personal  feelings.  Mr.  Jefferson 
must  surrender  my  dispatches. 

MADISON. 
[Sharply.]     He  won't !     I  warn  you,  sir ! 

MERRY. 
Then — the  alternative.     And  with  no  delay  ! 

MADISON. 
You'll  not  be  kept  waiting !          [Exit  to  study. 

BURR. 

[To  MERRY.]  If  the  President  grant  your  de 
mand,  you  couldn't  make  public  these  letters  ? 

MERRY. 

I  owe  it  to  my  Sovereign,  and  to  the  high  place 
in  which  I  stand  for  him.  I  must  show  the 
Chancelleries  of  Europe  what  they  have  to  deal 
with,  in  this  barbarian  who  invades  the  sanctity 
of  diplomatic  correspondence.  As  for  the  effect 
on  you,  sir — well,  the  event  will  justify  what  I 
wrote  the  King  of  your  influence  with  Mr.  Madi 
son.  [DoLLY  appears  at  door  back. 

BURR. 
Surely,  you  haven't  dragged  in ? 


192       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MERRY. 

{Interrupting '.]  "  Great  ventures  can't  stop  for 
small  morals ! " 

DOLLY. 

{Coining  down.']  "  Small  morals,"  sir,  to  hold 
up  the  great  Mr.  Madison  for  knave  or  fool  ?  To 
put  in  doubt  his  faith  to  a  people  that  worship 
him ! — You'd  make  his  honor  serve  the  ends  of 
dishonor — and  call  that  "  small  morals  "  ? 

MERRY. 

[  With  deep  bow.]  My  king's  interest  above 
everything ! 

DOLLY. 

[  With  mingled  temper  and  tears.]  But  I  venture 
to  doubt  that  "  the  first  gentleman  of  Europe,"  as 
you  call  your  king,  will  countenance  diplomacy 
that  makes  war  on  a  woman  !  [indicating  herself] 
and  that,  too,  in  the  secret  way  that  leaves  her 
defenseless ;  that  stamps  upon  her  name,  in  the 
records  of  state,  a  slur  and  suspicion  that  time  will 
only  deepen. 

[Half  turns  away.    Moves  slightly  up  stage. 

BURR. 

\_To  MERRY,  threateningly.']  I  forbade  you— 
pledged  you  not  to — by  name  or  hint !  You  shall 
answer  to  me  ! 

MERRY. 
[Accepting  the  challenge.']     At  your  service,  sir  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       193 

DOLLY. 

[Intervening  quickly '.]     No,  no  ! 

[Moves  up  stage  with  BURR.  BUKR  exits 
into  music-room.  Re'enter  MADISON,  fol 
lowed  ly  PINCKNEY. 

MADISON. 
[Handing  MERRY  a  document.]    Your  reply,  sir. 

MERRY. 

[Reading  superscription^  "Anthony  Merry, 
Esq." — Omitting  my  official  titles  ! — I'll  not  ac 
cept.  [Throws  packet  on  table. 

MADISON. 
The  contents  explain. 

MERRY. 

[Impatiently  and  imperiously.']  I  demanded — 
audience ! 

MADISON. 

President  will  receive  you  at  your  earliest  con 
venience — [MERRY  triumphant]  in  atWience-of- 
leave. 

MERRY. 
[Taken  aback.']     But  I  asked  no  such  audience  ! 

MADISON. 

President  assumes  that  you  will  be  eager  to 
hasten  your  departure — now  you've  resigned  as 
Minister  here. 

MERRY. 

[Beginning  to  see.]  I'm  not  aware — His  Majesty 
has  received  my  resignation. 


194       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 
Then  His  Majesty  must  anticipate  it. 

ME  KEY. 
[Angrily.]     You  presume  to  speak  for  the  king  ? 

MADISON. 

[Taking  up  quickly."]  He  is  unwilling,  I'm  sure, 
to  be  represented  by  a  gentleman  who  so  lightly 
appreciates  the  hospitality  of  a  friendly  people, 
and  mistakes  tolerance  for  timidity.  Your  pass 
ports,  Sir  Anthony  !  [Offers  them. 

MERRY. 

[Refusing  them.]  Take  care,  sir  !  You  are  not 
prepared  for  war  with  England  ! 

MADISON. 

[Mildly.]  We  never  are  prepared,  sir,  but  al 
ways  ready. 

MERRY. 

[Breathless  with  rage.]  When  the  King  learns 
— his  Minister's  letters — stolen  from  the  post. 

MADISON. 

No  such  thing  could  happen  here.  They  come 
from  England — your  letters — to  pave  the  way  for 
your  successor,  Lord  Erskine. 

MERRY. 
[Bewildered.]     I'll  not  believe  my  ears. 

MADISON. 
Your  eyes,  then. 

[Takes  up  packet  of  letters  from  desk. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       195 

MERRY. 
{After  glance  at  it.']     The  Eoyal  Seal ! 

MADISON. 

From  the  king — they  come — to  prove  he  is  well 
with  us — treats  in  good  faith 

MERRY. 

[Looking  into  space.']  I — I'd  have  sworn  they 
were-  [Turns  to  MADISON.]  And — I  beg 
your  pardon !  [Sows.  Suddenly.]  Though  I 
believe  Mr.  Jefferson  quite  capable  of  what  I  sus 
pected  ! 

JENNINGS. 

[Announcing.']     Lady  Merry ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Entering  flurried,  in  time  to  overhear  last  of 
MERRY'S  speech.]  Tony,  what's  this  they  say  at 
the  Embass}r  ?  [MERRY  holds  up  passports  for 
her  to  see.  LADY  MERRY  is  bewildered.]  We're 
going  home  ?  [MERRY,  too  overcome  to  speak, 
nods  "yes."  LADY  MERRY  explosively  continues.] 
Thank  God ! 

MERRY. 

[To  quiet  her.]     Angela  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Fervidly  and  with  quavering  voice.]  Yes, 
thank  God,  we're  going !  Though  it  be  in  dis 
grace,  in  chains,  anything — so  we  leave  this  cruel, 
brutish  country ! 

[Falls   into   chair,   sobbing  bitterly.     ENA 
enters  hurriedly  from  music-room. 


196       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MERRY. 

You  will  pardon  Lady  Merry's  outburst 

DOLLY. 

[With  feeling]  We  quite  understand,  sir. 
Some  things  here  must  have  been  a  trial  to  Lady 
Merry.  Our  ways  are  not  quite  your  ways,  and, 
I'm  sure,  as  time  goes  on,  and  we  look  back  on 
these  little  differences,  we'll  all  be  sorry. 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Rising  quickly  •  recovering  herself  and  ex 
plosively.]  Sorry  ?— To  leave  these  Mohocks ! 
[Starts  to  go.]  Come,  Ena  ! 

ENA. 
[To  DOLLY.]     Au  'voir,  ma'am  ! 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Correcting  her,  sharply.]     "  Au  'voir,"  indeed ! 

ENA. 
[Timidly.']     I  hope  to  see  Mrs.  Todd  often. 

LADY  MERRY. 

We  leave  to-morrow,  by  God's  grace— and  first 
coach ! 

ENA. 
I've  promised  Mr.  Pinckney  to  remain. 

LADY  MERRY. 
[  Wildly.]     Ena,  have  you  lost  your  head  f 

ENA. 
[Huskily.]     Goes  with  the  rest ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

LADY  MERRY. 

[Tearfully.]  How'd  that  happen !  [  Viciously.'] 
To  that [Moves  toward  PINCKNEY. 

ENA. 

[  With  spirit*  stopping  her.]  Don't,  Angle. 
[Plaintively.]  Please  don't !  He's  not  one 
of  the  things  you  were  going  to  say.  And  if  he 

were — all  of  them [Crosses  to  PLNCKNEY. 

LADY  MERRY. 
[Intervening.]     Never  !     Leave  you  here  ? 

ENA. 

[Quickly.]  Not  for  long,  dear.  We're  going 
to  our  London  Legation — First  Secretary,  when 
Tony's  successor  arrives. 

LADY  MERRY. 
There'll  be  none ! 

MERRY. 
[Nodding  "  yes. "]     Lord  Erskine. 

LADY  MERRY. 
[To  DOLLY.]     His  wife's  American ! 

DOLLY. 
Miss  Cadwalader,  of  Philadelphia. 

LADY  MERRY. 
[To  DOLLY.]     A  friend  ?     [DOLLY  nods  "  yes."] 

I  see— I Hell's  bales!     [To  MERRY.]    And 

you— you— played  into  the  hands  of  these 

ENA. 

[Calming  her,  and  nodding  toward  music-room.] 
Angie,  they'll  hear 


198       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

DOLLY. 

[  With  show  of  sympathy.]  Let  them  !  I'm 
sure  Lady  Merry's  tired  of  being  diplomatic — 
stifling  her  feelings — choosing  her  words.  Say 
what  you  like,  ma'am,  for  once  in  your  life. 
'Twill  do  you  good  !  [BuKR  enters. 

LADY  MEKRY. 

[Through  her  tears.]  Thank  you  !  That's  the 
first  kindness  we've  known  here — except  our  pass 
ports.  [Picks  them  up  from  table.  To  BURR.] 
For  these  we're  indebted  to  you,  and  I  forgive  you 
everything,  and — I  [viciously']  hope  you'll  live 
to  be  hanged ! 

BURR. 

[Offering  his  arm.]     Till  then,  at  your  service. 
[She  is  about  to  take  BURR'S  arm. 

MERRY. 

[Sharply.]  Mr.  Pinckney !  [Motions  PINCK- 
NEY  to  take  out  LADY  MERRY  and  ENA.  BURR, 
after  prof ound  bow,  moves  up  stage.  To  DOLLY.] 
Sans  rancune  ? 

DOLLY. 

Not  the  least !  All  in  a  day's  work  !  And  be 
fore  you  leave  you  must  honor  me  at  dinner. 

[MADISON  is  disconcerted. 

MERRY. 

[  With  meaning ,  and  a  smile.]  Thanks,  but 
there  won't  be  time,  I  anticipate.  [To  MADISON.] 
Your  Chief  has  put  on  you  a  duty  you  will  some 
day  regret. 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       199 

MADISON. 

I  regret  most,  sir,  the  duty  you  put  on  me — in 
my  own  house ! 

[MERRY  lows  and  exits.  MADISON  goes  to 
desk  /  takes  up  MERRY'S  letters  ;  then  sits 
and  writes. 

BURR. 

[Coming  down  to  DOLLY.]  'Tvvas  kind  to  ask 
them  to  dinner — but  suppose  they'd  accepted  ? 

DOLLY. 

1  anticipated  they  wouldn't !  [To  JENNINGS 
at  door.~\  Send  word  to  the  President  they've 
taken  leave.  And  Mrs.  Todd  begs  he'll  bring  his 
fiddle.  [JENNINGS  exits 

BURR. 

[To  MADISON,  indicating  letters.]  And  what 
of  those  ?  Will  Jefferson  use  them  against  me  ? 

MADISON. 

'Tis  out  of  his  hands  !  He  leaves  the  State 
Department  to  determine. 

BURR. 

[Joyously.']    Then  I'll  coach  to  Richmond  with  a 

light  heart.     [Bows  as  if  to  exit.    Stops  at  sound  of 

music  off  j  it  is  same  tune,  the  waltz,  heard  in  Act 

II.     To  DOLLY.]     That  dance — you  remember  ? 

[Takes  up  banjo  from  chair  •  strikes  chords. 

DOLLY. 
[Same  tone  as  in  Act  II.]     One — two — three. 


200       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

BURR. 
[Offering  arm.]     What  say,  ma'am? 

[DOLLY  is  disconcerted. 

MADISON. 
[Intervening."]     Your  ankle  up  to  it,  ma'am  ? 

DOLLY. 

[Talcing  the  hintJ]  It's  never  been  the  same — 
since — that  slip  on  the  ice. 

[Through  the  open  windows  is  heard  the 
measured  "  tramp  "  of  soldiers  ;  then  the 
drum-roll — or  ougle-call — that  sianals 
«  halt !  " 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door.~\  Captain  Gadsby  inquires  for  Colo 
nel  Burr. 

BURR. 
[Uncertain.]     Gadsby? 

MADISON. 
President's  Marshal. 

BURR. 

That  means — of  course — my  arrest  ?  [MADI 
SON  nods  assent.  To  DOLLY.]  And  I  lose  my 
dance  with  you !  [To  JENNINGS.]  Alone  ? 

JENNINGS. 
Some  army,  sir — six  or  eight. 

BURR. 
Pomp  and  circumstance ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       2OI 

MADISON. 

[Going  to  door  of  study.]  Show  the  Captain 
here. 

DOLLY. 

{Stopping  JENNINGS.]  One  moment !  [To 
MADISON.]  If  you  please  -  [To  JENNINGS.] 
Call  Colonel  Burr's  carriage.  Beg  Captain  Gadsby 
drive  to  his  house.  Colonel  Burr  will  join  him 
there.  [Exit  JENNINGS.  DOLLY,  to  MADISON.] 
Not  under  your  roof,  the  arrest !  President  might 
have  thought  of  that. 

BURR. 
Break  up  another  party  ! 

MADISON. 
[With  emotion.]     Great  God,  man,  at  such  a 

moment  you  can  jest  f 
j  t/ 

BURR. 

What  else  ? — Excuses  ? — Regrets  ? — I  hate  them 
—both.  This  game  was  of  my  own  making.  I  cut 
the  cards,  dealt  them,  named  the  stake.  [Looking 
at  DOLLY.]  And  well  worth  playing  for ! — If  I 

must  lose 

DOLLY. 

{Interrupting^  You'll  bear  it  as  bravely,  I 
know,  as  you'd  have  borne  the  honors. 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door,  to  DOLLY.]  The  Marshal  will  do  as 
you  bid,  ma'am  ;  but  leaves  the  soldiers  here. 

MADISON. 
Give  them  some  refreshments. 


202        THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

JENNINGS. 
Ale  or  wine,  sir  ? 

DOLLY. 
[Sotto-voce.~\     Lemonade ! 

MADISON. 
[To  JENNINGS.]     Or  ginger-pop ! 

DOLLY. 

[Calling  after. ~]  Nothing  stronger !  [Exit  JEN 
NINGS.  To  MADISON.]  Or  folks  will  say  you 
plied  'em  with  drink  to  help  him  escape. 

MADISON. 

Yes— I'd  best  reassure  the  Marshal \_Exit. 

BURR. 

{Calling  after.]  And  Mr.  Jefferson's  army ! 
[Going  to  window,  looks  out,  laughing^  Six  or 
eight !  There  he  stands  at  the  White  House  win 
dow,  [to  DOLLY]  waiting  to  see  me  fly  down 
Pennsylvania  Avenue  pursued  by  his  army.  He 
has  no  sense  of  humor ! 

DOLLY. 

Where  was  yours — in  all  this  ?  [Tone  of  impa 
tience.]  Your  sense  of  humor — that  found  some 
thing  of  fun  in  the  fiercest  tirade  against  you — 
that  laughed  down  mountains  of  abuse  raised  by 
your  enemies.  That  glorious  sense  of  humor  that 
so  often  saved  you  from  the  tragedy  of  your 
follies — where  was  it  when  you  set  about  this 
ridiculous  enterprise  ? 

BUER. 
[Piqued.]     At  least  not  ridiculous  ! 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       203 

DOLLY. 

Yes — most  absurd  and  fantastic — since  Don 
Quixote  and  the  windmills.  [Mockingly '.]  You  ! 
—the  careless,  cynical  Burr,  who  played  with  high 
politics  as  a  child  plays  with  toys — who  let  the 
Presidency  go  with  a  jest,  when  a  sober  word 
would  win  it— who  never  took  anything  seriously 
but  his  love-affairs — the  beau,  the  gallant,  heart 
breaking  Burr^ — [in  tone  and  gesture  of  mock 
heroics]  sets  forth  on  the  conquest  of  Mexico  and 
the  throne  of  the  Montezurnas !  [  With  quick 
swerve  of  tone.]  And  you  don't  see  the  humor 
of  it.  [Laughs. 

BURR. 

[Same  spirit;  laughing.']  Now  that  you  put 
it  that  way !  [Glowing.]  And  yet — we'd  have 
made  it  Paradise !  It's  a  land  of  sun  and  color, 
dancing  and  music,  care-free,  romantic.  [Ad 
vances  to  DOLLY.  She  draws  away  as  he  ap 
proaches.]  And  there  I  planned — or  dreamed — 
a  life  splendid  and  dazzling — to  blind  you  to  every 
thing  in  the  world  but  me — make  you  forget  all 
the  world  but  me. 

DOLLY. 
The  world's  esteem — and  good  report  ? 

BURR. 

There  we  come  to  small  morals !  I  gave  no 
thought  to  them.  Nor  anything  but  just  you ! 

DOLLY. 

{Brokenly.}  Don't  let  me  believe  I  brought 
you  to  this!  Think  what  a  memory,  if  from  a 


204       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

great  love  such  wretchedness  and  shame  should 
come  to  you  ! 

BUEE. 

{Seriously  and  with  feeling '.]  Your  solicitude  for 
me — your  anxiety,  so  frank  and  sincere— touches 
me  profoundly — more  than  I  can  tell  you,  and 
more  than  you'd  believe.  I'm  called  a  vain  man 
and,  perhaps,  justly.  And  yet,  curious  enough, 
there  are  so  few  persons  in  the  world  for  whose 
good  opinion  and  affection  I  ever  gave  a  second 
thought.  Now — in  this  moment  of  crisis  and  peril 
I  think  of  but — you !  Come  what  may,  I  know 
you  will  think  of  me,  always,  with  the  perfect 
understanding  that  lifts  gentle  womanhood  to  the 
plane  of  angels.  And  if — Fates  forbid — it  comes 
to  the  worst  — 

DOLLY. 

\_In  alarm.]  It  won't — and  can't !  Mr.  Madi 
son  will  prevent ! 

BUKE. 

[  With  characteristic  levity  and  cynical  gaiety] 
He's  only  human,  and  with  me  out  of  the  way- 
well,  if  it  happens — my  friends  shall  have  due 
notice  of  time  and  place.  And  I  promise,  as  the 
showman  says,  "a  great  concourse  of  company, 
much  gaiety  and  a  rare  sight " — [with  hurst  of 
laughter]  a  Vice-President  shot  for  getting  bored 
with  the  office  !  {Looking  at  her  closely  as  she 

touches  her  eyes.]     Oh  ! — but  you're I   beg 

your  pardon.  But  I  couldn't  know  you'd  take 
me  serious.  You  never  have  !  Forgive  me,  I  im 
plore  you, — and  yet,  in  candor,  the  tears  that 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       205 

glisten  in  your  eyes  I'd  rather  have  won  than  the 
jewelled  crown  of  Mexico  !  Au  'voir,  dear  lady. 
[Lower  tone.']  Till  we  meet  again,  may  God 
Almighty  bless  you ! 

[Moves  as  if  to  take  Tier  in  his  arms. 

DOLLY. 

[Turning  from  him  with  gasp  of  surprise.'] 
Good-bye  !  [Extends  hand  in  gesture  of  dismissal. 

BURR. 

[Taking  her  hand;  in  tone  of  challenge.]  You 
don't  mean  that ! 

DOLLY. 
[  With  cold,  steady  tone  of  decision.]     Yes. 

BURR. 

[Insisting,  with  almost  impudence;  smiles  as 
he  kisses  her  hand  and  looks  up  at  her]  I'll  wait 
word  from  you — after  the  trial  at  Richmond. 

[Goes  to  door,  where  he  pauses,  as  if  for  her 
assent,  and  Mows  kisses.  DOLLY  shakes 
.  her  head  "no"  /  her  smile  and  bearing 
say  "  Thatfs  over"  BURR  exits  with  look 
and  manner  that  indicate  assurance  that 
it  is  not  the  end  of  the  story. 

DOLLY. 

[Alone]  Good-bye.  [Puts  hand  to  lips,  as  if 
to  throw  kisses  ;  lets  hand  fall  quickly,  as  if  sud 
denly  recalled  to  herself]  You  poor — great — 
splendid — wretched  man  ! 

[Puts  hands  to  eyes  as  if  dazed  and  striv 
ing  to  throw  off  the  fascination.  Bursts 
into  tears.  MADISON  enters. 


206       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

Why !  What's  wrong  here  ?  What  did  he  say 
to  you  ? 

DOLLY. 
[Faintly.']     "  Good-bye  !  " 

MADISON. 

{Looking  at  her  closely  J]  Tears?  He  doesn't 
deserve  them. 

DOLLY. 
And  so  I  weep  for  him ! 

MADISON. 
[ Tenderly.}     That's  the  Quaker  of  you ! 

DOLLY. 

No — just  the  woman  !  Rogues  always  get  our 
pity. 

MADISON. 

He'll  need  it !  [Shouts  heard  from  street ;  and 
drums  and  Jifes.  MADISON  points  offJ]  You  hear 
that  ?  A  mob  jeering  him^-and  u  The  .Rogues' 
March  "  !  He  hasn't  a  friend  in  the  world ! 

DOLLY. 

[Boldly.  Crosses  to  window ;  shuts  it.']  Yes, 
he  has !  I  am  his  friend — whatever  wrong  he's 
done — and  you,  too,  are  his  friend. 

MADISON. 
[Deprecatingly.]     I  ? 

DOLLY. 

You  must  be — just  as  /  must  be — because,  sir, 
he's  the  best  friend  we  ever  had!  Why,  man, 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       207 

but  for  him  I  might  be  a  spindly,  Philadelphia 

widow,  taking  lodgers  in  South  Fourth  Street 

[MADISON  makes  gesture  of  protest, ]  Don't  wince, 
sir ;  'tis  the  truth  !  And  you'd  be  mooning  still 
over  that  Long  Island  hussy  who  jilted  you  for  a 
parson  and  his  f orte-pianer ! 

MADISON. 

[  With  a  half  smile.]  He's  been  simply  the 
agent  of  Providence,  or  Fate. 

DOLLY. 

Whosever  agent  he  was,  he  did  the  work  devil 
ish  well !  [Looks  off,  pityingly^  Out  of  his  very 
evil,  good  comes  to  you !  Over  the  ruins  of  his 
career  you  step  to  higher  things. — And  'tis  hard 
that  you,  of  all  men,  must  hold  the  proof  that 
damns  him  ! 

MADISON. 

Have  no  fear  on  that  score.  [Gives  her  the 
portfolio.]  At  least,  for  the  present. 

DOLLY. 

[heading.]  "  Confidential  Communications 
from  His  Majesty,  George  III.  Not  to  be 
opened  for  one  hundred  years." — And  you 
mean 

MADISON. 

Without  those,  they'll  never  convict  him — of 
treason. 

DOLLY. 
And  you'd  have  him  go  free  ? 


208       THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND 

MADISON. 

{Nodding  "y^."]  I  think  it  best — for  the 
nation. 

DOLLY. 
And  for— me  ? 

MADISON. 

[  With  a  slight  shrug.]  You  couldn't  share  a 
"  traitor's  "  name. 

DOLLY. 

[  With  the  brogue.~]  Lord,  man,  must  I  knock 
you  on  the  head  ? — I  feared  so,  from  the  first. 

MADISON. 

[Triumphant.]  I  meant  you  should !  But 
while  he  was  near 

DOLLY. 

[Taking  up  quickly^  Ah,  don't  try  to  follow 
the  twists  and  turns  of  a  woman's  heart !  And 
don't  question  a  woman — ever  !  If  she  loves  you 
there's  nothing  to  tell,  and  if  she  doesn't  love  you 
she'll  tell  you  nothing.  I'm  no  saint,  sir, — but 
thee  may  take  me  for  wife!  And,  with  God's 
help,  thee'll  have  no  cause  to  regret  it.  All  that 
a  great  love  can  do  to  make  thy  life  happy,  I 
promise  absolutely. 

JENNINGS. 

[At  door.  He  carries  violin  case.']  The  Presi 
dent's  driving  in,  sir.  And  sent  his  fiddle,  ma'am. 

MADISON. 
[To  DOLLY.]     Shall  we  receive  him  here  ? 


THE  FIRST  LADY  OF  THE  LAND       209 

DOLLY. 

No,  no — the  music-room.  And,  Jennings,  take 
the  banjo.  [JENNINGS  exits  to  music-room. 
From  the  hall  below,  and  rather  distantly,  a  voice 
is  heard  announcing  :  "  The  President!  "  which 
is  repeated  somewhat  nearer  at  hand  From' the 
music-room  comes  a  tuneful  march,  in  lively 
tempo,  and  the  murmur  of  many  persons  chatting 
and  laughing.  MADISON  is  leaning  at  table,  in 
attitude  of  deep  thought.  DOLLY  crosses  to  him.'] 
Buck  up,  Jim ! 

MADISON. 
[  With  a  start.]     Yes,  yes— I  was  just  thinking. 

DOLLY. 

[Nodding  toward  music-room.']  This  gaiety — 
to-night  ?  'Tis  wicked^  I  know,  and  worldly  and 
selfish  and — and — human.  But,  after  all,  I'm  only 
a  woman,  and  thee  my — husband ! 

MADISON. 

[Arms  about  her.]  And  after  us,  the  deluge ! 
as  the  French  King  said. 

DOLLY. 

He  didn't  say  it  first.  'Twas  Noah's  wife — once 
she  had  him  safe  in  the  Ark. 


CURTAIN 


$ctce,  60  €ent*S  €ad» 


THE  MAfiKTBATP   Farce  in  Three  Aot&   Twelve  males,  four 
111C  iUAUldlKAlfi  female&    costumes,  modern;  scenery,  all 

interior.    Plays  two  hours  and  a  half  . 

TIB  NOTOBODS  MRS,  EBBS8BIB  ££££££1 

Costumes,  modern  ;  scenery,  all  interiors.    Plays  a  full  evening. 

TUP  PfifiFI  Iff  ATP    Play  in  Four  Acts.  Seven  males,  five  females. 

u   Scenery,  three  interiors,  rather  elaborate  ; 
costumes,  modern.    Plays  a  full  evening. 


ParceinThreeActs.Ninemales,seven 
females   costumes,  modern;  scenery, 
three  interiors.   Plays  a  full  evening. 

THE  SECOND  MRS.  TANQDERAY  ^to^e^«.  "£. 

tumes,  modern  ;  scenery,  three  interiors.   Plays  a  full  evening. 

CU/CUT  f  A  VTWTlFB    Comedy  in  Three  Acts.    Seven  males,  four 
1   females.  Scene,  a  single  interior;  costumes, 
modern.    Plays  a  full  evening. 


THE  TIMES  C°me<ty  ***  ^oar  Acts.  Six  males,  seven  females. 
I  it  1  L«J  Scene,  a  single  interior;  costumes,  modern.  Plays  a 
full  evening. 

THP  WP4¥Pff  ^FT    Comedy  in  Three  Acts.    Eight  males,  eight 
UC  WBAAEB  JBA    femaleg>    Costumes,  modem  ;  scenery,  two 
interiors.    Plays  a  full  evening. 


A  WIPE  wrraoDT  A  SMILE 

modem  :  scene,  a  single  interior.    Plays  a  full  evening. 


Sent  prepaid  on  receipt  of  price  by 

W&ltw  fy  TBafeer  &  Company 

Ho.  5  Hamilton  Place,  Boston,  Massachusetts 


^tlitam  Garten  Cfcttum 


,  25 


A^  YfiTT  I  I¥F  IT  Comedy  in  Five  Acts.  Thirteen  males,  four 
AJ  I  vl)  MAb  II  females.  Costumes,  picturesque  ;  scenery,  va 
ried.  Plays  a  full  evening. 


in  Five  Acts.    Nine  males,  five  females.    Cos- 
tumes,  modern  j  scenery,  varied.    Flays  a  full  evening. 

^a"    -     ;7  '  "  ^ico;3-     Thirteen  males,  three  females. 
^   scenery  varied  ;  costumes,  Greek.   Plays  a  full  evening. 

M  ABV  QTITADT  Tragedy  In  Five  Acts.  Thhteen  males,  four  fe- 
lfiHl\l  J  iUAAl  males,  and  supernumeraries.  Costumes,  of  the 
period  ;  scenery,  varied  and  elaborate.  Plays  a  full  evening. 

THE  MERCHANT  OF  VENICE  S35$£Rai£: 

picturesque  ;  scenery  varied.    Plays  a  full  evening. 


Fifteen  males,  two  females.    Seen- 
ery  elatx>rate  ;  costumes  of  the  period.    Plays  a  full 
evening. 

TFTP  BJVAI^    Comedy  in  Five  Acts.    Nine  males,  five  females. 
Ill*  HITAI*J    Scenery  varied;  costumes  of  the  period.    Plays  a 
full  evening. 

SUP  STftftlN  Tfl  CANAI1PB  Oomsdy  in  Five  Acts.  Fifteen 
JJlii  3Hlvr3  1U  ^Vn^UCli  males,  four  females.  Scenery  va 
ried  ;  costumes  of  the  period.  Plays  a  full  evening. 

TWELFTH  NlfiHT;  OR,  WBAT  YOU  WILL 

three  females.  Costumes,  picturesque;  scenery,  varied.  Plays  a 
full  evening. 


Sent  prepaid  on  receipt  of  price  by 

Walter  &  'BaScr  &  Company 

No.  5  Hamilton  Place,  Boston,  MavSsachusetts 


